Homes and businesses were left without electricity after a truck caught an overhead power line pulling down two poles and leaving a third leaning dangerously.

It was expected power was back on yesterday after Bermuda Electric Light Company (Belco) workers spent most of Monday trying to repair the damage.

The accident happened at about 7 a.m. in Trott Road, Hamilton, opposite the Bermy Cuisine restaurant when a D&G construction truck accidentally caught a low-hanging cable.

According to the owner Horace Tucker there was a big explosion as the power was cut.

He said: “I was out pulling the curtains down when a truck came by and caught a wire. There was a big explosion then the electricity went out. The pole and wire came down.”

Mr. Tucker said his customers were startled by the loud explosion and fire and a few of them called the Police. He also said Belco was “very responsive” attending the scene within 45 minutes. Mr. Tucker was forced to close his restaurant for the day as Belco crews worked to repair the damaged poles — which left live wires draping the street.

Traffic was also cut off at points along Trott Road, Dundonald Street and Serpentine — resulting in traffic jams throughout the city.

On Monday, Belco spokesperson Linda Smith said the company hoped to have the situation dealt with by that evening.

“A truck got caught in the wires, brought down two poles and left another leaning,” Ms Smith said. “Crews have been out there since this morning rebuilding the system. There was extensive damage.”