A power outage and the partial shutdown of traffic in Matautu on Thursday morning was caused by a truck carrying heavy equipment.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority Commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga, confirmed the incident in an interview with the Samoa Observer on Thursday morning.

Policemen, F.E.S.A. officers as well as Electric Power Corporation staff were the scene of the mishap which led to the authority posting on its official Facebook page to advise the public of the situation. 

The authority said the incident has led to a temporary closure of the Matautu Road between Scoops and Pasekifa Inn as there were power lines and electric wires on the road.

“This may cause inconvenience for the travelling public for some time while the relevant authorities are working on clearing these for public safety,” read the F.E.S.A. post at that time.

Tanuvasa confirmed the Facebook post by his office on their official Facebook page and added that the public needs to be better informed of the situation, as it would enable the E.P.C. workers to attempt to reconnect the electricity supply.

He said that the incident occurred in the morning when a truck, which was carrying heavy machinery, got entangled in the power lines and brought it to the ground.

“I am aware that the damage from the incident was towards the power lines which led to electricity supply being disconnected,” he said while emphasising that no one was injured from the incident.

Some members of the business community in Matautu that opened business on Thursday were affected by the power outage. 

The Commissioner also confirmed the engagement of the F.E.S.A. staff for the duration of the Office of Electoral Commission-run pre-polling and April 9 general election.

“Our work that we are mandated to do is still ongoing to respond to any emergencies, to be on alert especially if special events [pre-polling] are being held to ensure public safety.

“If anything happens, we are always on standby and to respond to any incidents that might arise on a national [scale].

“So far, there have been no reports of any fires to the fire emergency from Monday to Thursday. 

“We are working closely with our partners, the Ministry of Police to ensure there is peace and safety is enforced among the public.”