Those power cables look very typical of the ones we have in Texas. The voltage is only reduced for domestic consumption by the use of a sizable transformer often up a nearby pole - voltages on the skinny wires can be in the thousands before being dropped to c 115 0 115. Despite being thin, by necessity, the wires are very strong - doubtful they'd shear any significant metal parts however. Perhaps the pole was part of the equation.
Some of the arching from damaged lines has to be seen to be believed. Looks like there was at least some luck about.