Man Trapped In Vehicle By Live Power Lines And Downed Utility Poles

AUBURN, NH — A strong storm moved through southern New Hampshire bringing with it heavy winds, torrential rain, and lightning on Monday.

During the height of the storm, at about 2 p.m., Dave Balchunis of Londonderry was driving south on Londonderry Turnpike when trees and multiple utility poles came crashing down around him in front of his moving vehicle.

Balchunis slammed on the brakes and the right side of his vehicle was struck by a tree smashing his window and live power lines covered his vehicle. He called 911, which advised him to stay in his vehicle, and Auburn fire righters responded.

He was trapped in his vehicle for about an hour while Eversource responded and disconnected power to the area. After the power was disconnected Balchunis was assisted from his vehicle and evaluated. He was physically uninjured but, as mentioned in the video, very shaken by the incident.

Balchunis said God was with him, and he had just visited a friend in the hospital and was saying the rosary while driving down the road. Asked if he felt lucky he said someone was looking over him, and he might buy a lottery ticket when he can get his car out of the downed trees.

Eversource said about 400 people in the area are without power, and they anticipate it will be after midnight before power begins to be restored. Trees and debris need to be removed, and then Eversource will work with other utilities to remove the downed lines and utility poles.

Crews removed the trees surrounding Balchunis’s car around 4:30 p.m., and he was able to drive away. He said he was stopping at the gas station on the way home to buy his lottery ticket.

Londonderry Tpk is expected to be closed for most of the night as repairs are made.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news