Wires fall down, power goes out

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - An unknown problem brought down several high-voltage overhead power lines last night, knocking out electrical service to about 1,300 Public Service Electric & Gas Co. customers here and in neighboring Hamilton Township for about 90 minutes.

The power lines came down on Richardson Road near Interstate 195 just before 8:30 p.m., immediately causing area homes and businesses and traffic lights in the area to lose power.

George Sous, a PSE&G spokesman, said about 9:40 p.m. that the utility company hoped to have power restored to the area within a half-hour. He said the company was investigating why the wires came down.

Washington Township Fire Department responded to the electrical lines down.