Bird causes white flash over Melbourne

A bird building a nest on a tree over hanging power lines was the cause of a white flash in the sky in Melbourne’s outer-north.

About 150 customers were left without power.

This morning’s rain triggered it, with the water and dust acting as a conductor.

The bird is OK.

3AW’s Ross and John received several online reports from listeners in the Airport West area.

@RossAndJohn just seen a massive flash that lit up the sky heading to the city from the Tullamarine possibly around the Airport West area??

— Asshole Howie (@AssholeHowie) July 18, 2017

We had the power go on and off 3 times at that time. Just for a second each time. 🤔

— Caroline Jemison (@GoodHens) July 18, 2017

Caller Paul from Wollert says he could see the flash, which he believes may have been something to do with an electrical substation.

Click PLAY to hear him