An overgrown tree along Klocks Hill Road in Lansford was the cause of a large power outage today (Monday, June 22, 2015) in Lansford and Coaldale that affected about 2,300 PPL customers. As of this evening, PPL crews were still working to restore power to affected homes and businesses. Most customers lost power around 3:30 PM.
Currently most of the east side of Lansford have their power back on. Western properties, to include areas in Coaldale, are still without power.
A witness, Phil Majewski, said he saw a big white ball of fire after hearing a bang from a power line along Klocks Hill Road, between West Ridge Street and West Snyder Avenue. He said it occurred around 1:30 PM, two hours before the outage.
Fire police could be seen directing traffic at each traffic light along Patterson Street (US209).
In addition, around 6:15 PM, emergency personnel were dispatched to the 300 block of East Bertsch Street in Lansford for a possible house fire. The incident was said to be a malfunctioning heating system and most units were canceled.
A PPL worker told TamaquaArea.com that they hope to have power back on for all homes and businesses by 9 or 10 PM at the latest.