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Lightning strike in South Fremantle causes two-day closure for local bars and cafes

Lightning strike in South Fremantle causes two-day closure for local bars and cafes

Some of South Fremantle’s most popular bars and cafes have been forced to close this weekend after a rogue bolt of lightning destroyed a nearby power pole.

** MUST CREDIT WA INCIDENT ALERTS ** Power line after being struck by lightning on South Terrace, Fremantle. Posted Saturday afternoon WA Incident Alerts
Camera Icon** MUST CREDIT WA INCIDENT ALERTS ** Power line after being struck by lightning on South Terrace, Fremantle. Posted Saturday afternoon WA Incident Alerts Credit: WA Incident Alerts/WA Incident Alerts

At around 1pm on Saturday, during another one of Perth’s latest storms, lightning struck a transmission pole in front of Running With Thieves on South Terrace.

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The bolt split the high voltage pole and spread debris across the road and footpath as well as causing some lines to drop- exposing motorists and pedestrians to dangerous electrical currents.

Western Power has been working to resolve the incident since yesterday afternoon, blocking off the road to oncoming traffic, but the location of the pole has caused some issues for the electrical company.

“The pole is right near water and gas pipes so it’s important that they take care not to damage any of those pipes while fixing the pole,” a Western Power spokesperson said.

Many local cafes and bars closed once the power went out, and despite the weather bringing crowds of people out to enjoy the sunshine – they were forced to keep their doors shut.

La Cabana was forced to close due to the power outage.
Camera IconLa Cabana was forced to close due to the power outage. Credit: Indigo Lemay-Conway/The West Australian

La Cabana took to Instagram to tell their loyal customers the bad news Sunday morning.

“Unfortunately we’ve had to make the call to keep our doors closed today!” the post read.

“Yesterday a power pole a few doors down was struck by lightning and the end of South Terrace has been without power ever since!

“A freak incident and one that’s been totally out of our hands. We appreciate your understanding and apologies to everyone that planned to come down last night or today!”

A sign on the door of Madalenas Bar on Sunday.
Camera IconA sign on the door of Madalenas Bar on Sunday. Credit: Indigo Lemay-Conway/The West Australian

Madalena’s Bar also made a similar post on Instagram.

“Closed today, no power in South Fremantle. See you next week!”

But despite the lightning strike happening directly outside of their venue, Running With Thieves remained open, so those craving an alcoholic beverage at the southern end of South Fremantle were still able to quench their thirst.

Western Power was unable to give an estimated restoration time for when the power will be turned back on, but have said their customer service team will keep the 290 affected customers up to date throughout the process.

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Australia

Perth’s public hospitals declare more than 500 code yellows as capacity issues plague WA health system

Perth's public hospitals declare more than 500 code yellows as capacity issues plague WA health system

Perth’s public hospitals have been forced to declare more than 500 code yellows in the past year as capacity issues continue to plague the health system.

Worst impacted was Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, which went into code yellow 144 times in 2021-22 – an average of eleven every two and a half days.

That was followed by Perth Children’s Hospital (89 code yellows), Fiona Stanley Hospital (74) and Royal Perth Hospital (68).

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The city’s biggest maternity hospital, King Edward Memorial, declared 36 code yellows in the year to July.

A code yellow refers to an infrastructure or other internal emergency that is impacting service delivery – including a lack of available beds.

Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam said the “shocking” figures – contained in answers to questions in Parliament – ​​pointed to a health system that was “significantly under-resourced and lurching from crisis to crisis”.

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Australia

Peak-hour chaos as crash, breakdowns on Kwinana Freeway and Tonkin Highway add to heavy rain delays

Peak-hour chaos as crash, breakdowns on Kwinana Freeway and Tonkin Highway add to heavy rain delays

Peak-hour traffic has been hit across the metropolitan area by several incidents as heavy rain causes widespread delays.

Motorists northbound on Kwinana Freeway need to be extra careful on the approach to South Terrace in Como with the left lane blocked after an accident.

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Main Roads have warned of slow traffic in the area.

There have also been a number of breakdowns across the metropolitan area, with the right lane blocked on Tonkin Highway northbound after Roe Highway in Kewdale.

Traffic is slow on approach, with visibility in the wet also hampered.

Traffic is also slow on Tonkin Highway southbound prior to Morley Drive in Morley after a breakdown.

Tow trucks are dealing with the issue in the left emergency lane.

There has been a truck breakdown on the Kwinana Freeway in South Perth.

Emergency services have closed the left lane prior to Mill Point Road.

And Main Roads have warned holidaymakers heading to Perth Airport to allow extra travel time with roadworks closing Tonkin Highway from Great Eastern Highway to Dunreath Drive for bridge removal and construction.

The works started at 4am on Monday, with motorists told to seek alternative routes.

Thick smoke is also making driving difficult on Mitchell Freeway between Neerabup Road and Hester Avenue.

With reduced visibility in the area, motorists have been told to switch on their headlights and take extreme caution.

The latest incidents come after a crash on Kwinana Freeway in Baldivis prior to Karnup Road caused delays on Sunday night.

With wet weather to continue throughout Monday and into Tuesday, motorists across Perth have been warned to stay vigilant, switch on headlights and ensure a safe braking distance to the vehicle in front.

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