Underground transformer explosion cuts power in north-west Washington
EIR-1203Provisional entry. A single short developing report confirms an underground transformer explosion, a street closure and an outage affecting roughly 420 to 421 residents; the cause, any injuries, and whether power returned on time were not reported. Next update: 24 September 2026.
Early on 30 October 2019, an underground transformer explosion was reported in the 1400 block of 17th Street NW, near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. WJLA said power was lost to roughly 421 residents, while its headline put the figure at 420, and that 17th Street between P Street and Massachusetts Avenue was closed. Pepco said power was scheduled to be restored by 9 a.m. that morning. The cause was said to be under investigation. Whether restoration was completed on time, and whether anyone was injured, was not reported.
No cause was reported. Officials said the explosion was under investigation.
- An underground transformer failure can cut supply and close a street before a cause is known.
- A stated restoration time is a plan, not confirmation that supply has returned.
- A short developing report should not be treated as a finished account of damage or injuries.
Published 2026-09-24. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.