Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Pillaton, Saltash at 20/09/2012 14:09

At 14:09 this afternoon Cornwall Fire Control received a call to a tractor which had brought down electricity cables in a field whilst dung spreading. The 33,000 vault electric cable was wrapped around the cab of the tractor and the driver was trapped in side, in danger of being electrocuted. The driver of the vehicle was asked to remain in the tractor and to not attempt to leave the vehicle. Twelve firefighters from Saltash and Callington attended. The electricity cables set fire to the straw stubble in the field beneath, burning to an area of 50 square metres. Western Power Distribution was requested to cut the power to the cables as an emergency. Fire crews used beaters at a safe distance to prevent the fire from spreading. Police officers attended to close a nearby road where cables were also hanging. Once the electricity to the cables have been cut, Western Power engineers will ensure that the 33000 vault cables are earthed at both ends to remove any chance of the occupant of the tractor being hurt when exiting the machinery.

Update 16:20hrs: fire crews remain in attendance, awaiting the instruction that the electricity cables have been earthed and that the occupant of the tractors cab can be assisted from the vehicle.

Update 1753hrs: Western Power Distribution engineers have now made the electric cables safe and the driver has been released unharmed.