the day yesterday after an accident in the nearby Corporation of Hamilton workshop and yard.

Mr. Sean Dill, a spokesman for the Bermuda Electric Light Company, said a worker operating a piece of equipment in the Corporation's Dundonald Street yard struck some lines, which caused a pole to snap shortly after 11 a.m.

Wires clashed, causing a short circuit and a tripped circuit breaker, cutting off power to residents and businesses in the area, Mr. Dill said.

By 12.20 p.m., power was returned to 75 percent of those affected, he said.

But those closest to the accident, including Masters Ltd., A.F. Smith Trading Co. Ltd., Wheels Ltd., The Olympic Club, and Mount St. Agnes Academy did not have power restored until 3.12 p.m.

Mrs. Susan Wilson, president of Masters, said it was "a very trying day,'' since Friday was normally the firm's second busiest for sales.

Customers were only served on an emergency basis, by staff using flashlights, she said, adding that she commended Belco for the way it responded to the outage.

Wheels also managed to stay open with staff using flashlights and replacing computerised invoicing with handwritten notes, said president Mr. David Panchaud. "There were a few grumbles from my mechanics, having to pump tyres by hand.'' A.F. Smith remained open, though staff missed the air conditioning, a spokesman said. Mount St. Agnes also remained open, using natural lighting, a spokesman said.

The Olympic Club closed for the afternoon.