Nelson Fire and Rescue Services responded after a Volkswagen van jumped the curb and hit a Nelson Hydro pad-mounted transformer box on Friday just before 7:00pm. No one was in the vehicle at the time and luckily no bystanders were injured. The transformer box was dislodged and damaged and the van had come to rest on statue near Touchstones Museum of Art and History. The power went out and affected a number of businesses in the downtown.
It appears to have been caused by a simultaneous failing parking break and the van being located on a steep incline, however the cause is still under investigation.
Nelson Fire and Rescue reminds everyone to stay clear of compromised hydro lines and equipment.