Queenstown in dark after power lines fall

Power was cut to Queenstown and surrounding areas, and State Highway 6 was closed to traffic at the Shotover Bridge until at least midnight, after high-voltage power lines fell across the road yesterday.

The incident happened about 7.45pm and the highway between the Shotover Bridge and the Stalker Rd roundabout was closed about 8.15pm.

A police spokeswoman said motorists were also asked to avoid the area near Tucker Beach Rd.

Traffic was diverted via Arthur’s Point.

The incident  cut power to Queenstown, Arrowtown and Lake Hayes Estate.  No injuries were reported to police.

It is understood  power was restored to the overall area by 9pm, but then power went out  again about 9.30pm. 

Police were investigating the cause of the fallen lines, but a Delta official said he understood the cause was "overhead line failure".