A trailer unit became tangled in power-lines after a reported brake failure at the Prifti Motors garage on Prifti Way in Southwick Tuesday morning. The unit reportedly rolled into a utility pole snapping it in two pieces which caused a power outage to a small strip mall where the Balance Hair Salon and Subway businesses are located. No injuries were reported. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – A minor accident on Prifti Way knocked out power to the immediate area yesterday.
A Prifti Motors truck carrying a trailer experienced brake failure, according to Southwick Police Sgt. Kirk Sanders.
“The trailer came off and hit a pole and knocked out power,” said Sanders.
Prifti Way, formerly Bonnie View Street, runs off College Highway in between Prifti Motors and the shopping plaza next door. All businesses there, including Subway and Balance Salon, were out of power.
“We were told to expect the power to be out all day,” said Susan Manolakis, owner of Balance Salon yesterday morning.
Fire Chief Richard Anderson said luckily, power was restored shortly after 11 a.m.
“I believe there was just one bad circuit and once that was disconnected, everything came back on,” Anderson said.
Manolakis was at the front of the salon waiting for her first customer yesterday morning when she heard the accident out back.
“I heard a crash and bang and ran out the back door and saw the trailer on the ground, broken pole, and transformer,” she said.
Balance salon was closed for the day because of the lack of power.
“We can’t use our blow dryers and we can’t even give cuts because it’s dark – I don’t think anyone would want a cut today,” she joked yesterday.
The Balance staff was calling clients yesterday morning to let them know they were closed. Manolakis said wires hanging down the road prevented most employees in the plaza from leaving because they could not access the parking area behind the building.
“Once they get the wires up we can get to our cars and leave,” she said.
Western Massachusetts electric company was on site to work on returning power to the area.
