Advertisement

'Live' pole damaged for five months

The City of Mandurah is facing questions about why a fallen street light pole blamed for nearly killing a teenager yesterday had been left unrepaired for five months.

The 15-year-old was last night in a critical but stable condition in Princess Margaret Hospital after receiving a severe electric shock when he allegedly touched the light pole and a wire fence.

The Education Drive pole had been damaged since October 18 when it was struck by a car late at night.

Western Power confirmed yesterday its officers attended that night to make the pole safe before notifying its owner, the City of Mandurah.

An investigation is under way into whether any work has been done in the area since.

EnergySafety inspectors are likely to return to the street today as they try to work out why there was live electricity at the pole and whose responsibility it was to isolate the power.

Education Drive light poles are branded with a plate that says they are owned and maintained by the City of Mandurah.

But council chief executive Mark Newman claimed yesterday an investigation was under way to determine ownership of the pole as well as the cause of the incident.

"However, Western Power did advise the city last year that the power pole was made safe at that time," he said.

The boy and a 15-year-old girl were hurt as they walked to John Tonkin College. Authorities suspect the boy touched the pole as he held on to a fence, effectively creating an electrical circuit.

The girl had minor injuries from also touching the pole and fence, police believe.