Metallic Balloons Cut Power to 1,600 Users
About 1,600 Encino and Van Nuys customers lost electrical service for several hours Thursday afternoon when power lines were short-circuited by metallic balloons, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reported.
Power was lost about 2:40 p.m. when two balloons--often included in bouquets or party decorations--became entangled in the 4,800-volt power lines at Magnolia Boulevard and Kester Avenue, said DWP spokeswoman Stacy Unger.
Customers in the Van Nuys area had service restored shortly after 4 p.m.; those in Encino regained service about an hour later.
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