Parts of Hillcrest and Gillitts were set back in time on Tuesday when a transformer failed, causing a blackout. Residents and businesses were forced to figure things out without the modern trappings we’re so accustomed to.
Dozens of shops in the malls along Old Main Road were forced to close, as they were left without lights and the roads were a nightmare as robots stopped working. There were pointsmen at some crossings, but not all. Fortunately, most people seemed to remember the rules of the road, treating the intersections as four-way crossings.
Those who work from home were stuck trying to figure out what to do as laptops and cell phone batteries ran out of power. One Crest reader ran out of petrol but was unable to draw money or swipe his card as those facilities rely on electricity.
Let’s hope supply is restored soon! In the meantime, many Hillcrest residents will be going to bed early.