Linemen provide instant assistance

Emergency services and some quick-thinking linemen rushed to the scene of a crash where a car had knocked a power pole out of the ground in St Kilda yesterday afternoon.

The crash happened outside Little Wonders early childhood centre in Victoria Rd about 2.20pm. A Subaru Impreza WRX travelling west crashed into a power pole, knocking it out of the ground and tearing down electricity lines supplying two homes, before colliding with a parked car.

Delta lineman Robert Munro was working nearby with a colleague when they heard a loud smash and saw the power pole on its side near dangerously dangling lines he knew were live with 240V of alternating current.

They rushed to the scene to isolate the live wires and prevent the driver or bystanders being electrocuted.

''It's lucky we had the gear to isolate the line,'' Mr Munro said.

A witness said the woman driving the vehicle, who was the sole occupant, did not appear to be seriously injured.

St John spokesman Gerard Campbell said the woman ''refused assessment or transport'' from ambulance officers.

Police were investigating the cause of the crash.