Cold Springs Elementary students had morning classes without power today, January 31 after a number of power poles were knocked down.  Missoula Police spokesman Travis Welsh says police began to receive calls about downed lines at 6:30 a.m.

"The specific location given was the 2500 block of Sunridge Court and as it turned out, lines were down, stretching along Gharrett Street at the intersection of Sunridge Court. Initially there were reports of electricity arcing near the downed lines and of sparking, so we were worried about the risk of electrocution."

A semi-truck apparently sheared off the power poles and when police arrived, the driver was still in the truck, with live power lines draped over it. Police set up a road block while NorthWestern Energy employees worked on the line.

"Officers on scene discovered that a large truck actually had become entangled with a low hanging line, and as it maneuvered at the intersection, pulled down a couple of poles and actually caused another to lean over at a pretty good angle. Immediately officers began to notify residences to use caution as they exited their home."

No injuries were reported during the incident and power was back on at Cold Springs Elementary not too long after 9:00 a.m. where teachers were able to get through the opening of class with natural light. NorthWestern Energy Communications Specialist Amie Thompson says that by 12:30 p.m. all 350 customers that lost power had had their power restored.

Photo courtesy of Missoula Police
Photo courtesy of Missoula Police
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