Crane strikes power line, creates widespread outage in Seattle

SEATTLE -- About 10,000 people briefly lost power in parts of Seattle after a crane working on a home improvement project in South Seattle struck a power line.

The incident happened in the 1800 block of E. Spring Street, according to Seattle City Light spokesperson Tony White.

A crew was replacing a roof on a century-old home when a subcontractor operating a crane tangled with power lines. Video from Air 4 showed scorch marks on the crane where it touched the lines and the cab of the truck completely blown out. Luckily, no one was hurt.

The ensuing power surge knocked out power to approximately 10,000 people -- mostly in the Beacon Hill, First Hill and International District neighborhoods.

Seattle City Light was able to restore most customers by 12:45 p.m. with about 1,000 remaining in the dark until around 3 p.m., the utility said.