A stretch of the M5 was closed for nine hours after a pole holding a 30,000-volt power cable caught fire.
The M5 was closed in both directions and traffic was brought to a complete standstill after the pole caught fire, causing a cable to fall onto the road, between junctions 23 for Bridgwater and 22 for Burnham-on-Sea.
Firefighters, highways officers and workers from Western Power Distribution attended the scene, closing the road at around 6.45pm.
It remained shut overnight, before reopening at 4am.
RECAP: Read our live updates from the M5 incident and how it affected drivers stuck in traffic.
A spokesman for WPD said 10,546 properties had their electricity supply disconnected.
Last night, he said: "10,545 customers were immediately restored via an alternative circuit. One customer remains off supply while repairs are being undertaken.
"Our staff on site have confirmed that the top of the pole had caught on fire, eventually burning through causing the overhead conductors to clash together.
"Apologies for any disruption this may cause."
He added the pole fire could have been caused by a previous lightning storm.
He said: "It is likely the pole was struck and an insulator damaged.
"This could cause a small amount of electricity to track down the pole, heating it up and eventually catching fire."
