In a startling incident that unfolded on a Friday morning in Waltham, Massachusetts, a trio of vehicles—including two school vans and a passenger car—was engulfed in flames within the Milestones Day School parking lot. This dramatic event was triggered around 11:15 a.m. when a tractor trailer inadvertently brought down overhead wires while maneuvering through the area. The ensuing chaos not only ignited vehicles but also led to significant safety concerns for nearby residents and school officials.
According to Waltham Fire Lieutenant Mike Murphy, the incident stemmed from the tractor trailer’s height. “It was just a little tall, the wires may have been drooped down a little bit and it caught part of it, that pulled it down and set off a chain reaction,” he explained. This unfortunate sequence of events resulted in one of Eversource’s utility poles snapping, which allowed high voltage wires to crash down onto the parking lot, creating a hazardous situation that firefighters could not immediately address due to the ongoing danger of live wires.
As the situation unfolded, the Milestones Day School acted swiftly to ensure the safety of its students, who were in the midst of preparing for their regular pickup. Although the incident caused a temporary delay, school officials reported that, aside from the fire, it was a typical day for the students. The proactive measures taken by the school underscore the importance of preparedness in emergency situations, especially in environments where children are present.
In the wake of the fire, Eversource reported that approximately 600 customers were left without power due to the incident. Additionally, one individual found themselves trapped in an elevator, a reminder of the far-reaching impacts such emergencies can have. Local businesses were instructed to remain indoors as a precaution while firefighters coordinated with Eversource to safely shut down the affected power lines and restore order.
By 11:20 a.m., Eversource announced that they had successfully de-energized the hazardous wires remotely, allowing power to be restored to nearly all affected customers. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames engulfing the three vehicles, which were subsequently hosed down and removed from the scene. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, as there were no occupants in the vehicles at the time of the fire.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers posed by overhead power lines, particularly in areas with commercial and educational establishments. As urban development continues to rise, the need for vigilant infrastructure maintenance and community awareness becomes increasingly vital. Such events highlight the importance of ongoing communication between utility companies, local businesses, and residents to ensure safety and preparedness in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
In conclusion, while the fire in Waltham was contained without injury, it raises essential questions about public safety protocols and the infrastructure that supports our daily lives, urging communities to remain informed and prepared for emergencies.
