A Lancashire farmer is “lucky to be alive” after tractors crashed into an electricity pole carrying 33,000 volts.

The accident in a field near Preston in July was one of seven separate incidents reported in the last 12 months across the county.

Electricity North West has expressed concern amidst a concerning spike of similar occurrences in the last 12 months – where 24 separate incidents occurred on its network with many more expected to go unreported.

Paul Killilea, Electricity North West’s asset and investment director, said: “The farmers involved are lucky to be alive.

“We’ve also seen considerable damage to the power network which has then gone on to impact customers due to the power cuts that have been caused, but the reality is that this could have been a very different situation for those involved. 

“We are again calling on farmers to take note of their surroundings, be vigilant and stay aware.

"It’s essential any employees or contractors are also briefed on the location of any electricity equipment before work starts. 

“I urge everybody who works on farmland to take note, these incidents are serious and by being aware, it really could save a life.” 

The incidents in the last few weeks have taken place across Lancashire including Rossendale, Clitheroe, and Burnley.  

Wayne Owen, HM principal instructor in the Health and Safety Executive agricultural sector, added: “Contact with power lines can cause serious and fatal injury, often occurring when equipment or machinery is working under, or in the vicinity of, overhead power lines. 

“The risk can be controlled in many ways, including making sure your workers and any contractors know where overhead powerlines are located and the maximum working height and minimum clearance distance to be maintained. 

“Use safe methods of work to avoid lines in fields with slopes, difficult access or fixed obstacles.

"Make sure to plot this information and any restrictions on a farm map and share this with staff, contractors, delivery drivers and other visitors." 

Electricity North West has advised farmers that should any equipment collide with the overhead network to stay in the cab, call 999, drive clear, warn others to stay clear, jump well clear if they need to get out and move using leaping strides and do not return to the vehicle.