A power surge in Siġġiewi yesterday left the households in a whole street with thousands of euro in damaged appliances.

The light bulbs of various households in Dun Ġużepp Aquilina Street became brighter at about 9.15 p.m. Suddenly, air conditioners switched themselves on, electrical sockets "exploded" and smoke started to come out from plugs and appliances.

The Times spoke to a number of residents in the area who described their "scary" experience of hearing their appliances "exploding" one by one and seeing sparks emerging from various power points in their homes, causing smoke and, in some cases, flames.

One resident lost a computer, a microwave oven, three air conditioners, a radio and a number of other appliances during the incident. He hopes to be compensated accordingly. Another said that he immediately switched off the mains, saving his fridge and electric cooker.

The residents then assembled outside and called Enemalta for an explanation. They were told that a tree had struck some high tension wires in the area, causing a strong power surge. They were asked to write a letter to the Enemalta chairman.

The residents now have to get their appliances repaired, keep the receipts and send them to Enemalta for compensation, which, according to the residents, was promised to them via telephone. But some residents are sceptical about when and how this would happen.

When contacted, Enemalta was not in a position to comment and said that they would reply today.