The voltage would not have been that high if an earth ground was properly installed. That voltage indicates multiple failures. Inspection of that earthing system should be performed.

In another venue, the neutral wire failed inside a transformer. That earth ground was also disconnected. They ignored lights that would change intensity as major appliances power cycled. They reasoned that was acceptable.

So a gas line was used as a neutral. Fortunately nobody was home when gaskets failed and the house exploded.

Just another reason why a good earth ground is necessary.

In another home, the failed neutral caused phone in all nearby homes to ring constantly. That home was using phone lines for a neutral. How is that for a weird one.