Power Surge Shocks Landon Street, Destroys Appliances - WSET.com - ABC13

Reporter: Mark Kelly l Videographer: Parker Slaybaugh

Lynchburg, VA - Power is back on for those on Landon Street in Lynchburg, but many appliances are not.

Appalachian Power officials say last Saturday, a power surge knocked out TVs, dishwashers and in some cases, the air conditioning went out again - this time permanently. Adding insult to injury, the surge happened just two days after crews restored power from the wind storm.

We can't say for sure just yet what caused the power surge. Both cable and power lines run along Landon.

ABC 13 contacted Comcast Wednesday afternoon. They say they are investigating. APCO says it has received no official complaints from customers, though several say they have contacted the company. 

After days in the dark from the derecho, Landon Street was enjoying having power again. But the celebrating was too early.

"Everything was fine until that Saturday morning, and then everything went kaput," said Gumprich.

APCO says Landon Street got whacked with a power surge. Joan Gumprich had her computer, clocks and TV blow out - and that's just the start.

APCO Line Crew Supervisor Tommy Bondurant says a power surge can happen when one line - like a cable line - taps a power line.

"In simplest form, their wire touching our wire," said Bondurant.

And the explosion is a sight to see.

"Big spark, big flash, sparks. And it will keep doing it. It's pretty violent," said Bondurant.

Witnesses describe the explosion on the power pole as looking like the 4th of July. Now, residents just want someone to pay for the damage.

"If Appalachian Electric and Comcast could get together and work this thing out and give us some compensation. If not full compensation, at least maybe three-quarters or so, at least help out," said Gumprich.

In the meantime, without her contemporary comforts, Gumprich has been catching up on her reading.

APCO says if you experience a power surge, you can contact their main number at 1-800-956-4237.

APCO will do an investigation to see if they are at fault.  This is the reason they suggest you unplug everything when the power is out.