Transformer explosion cuts power to more than 6,700 customers in Seattle

Seattle Fire responded to a transformer explosion and fire at the intersection of E Aloha and Harvard Ave in Capitol Hill, Seattle, on Saturday night at about 7.10 pm. Electrical equipment exploded and caught fire. Firefighters secured the scene while Seattle City Light crews assessed damage to the electrical infrastructure. Seattle City Light first reported more than 700 customers without power, including Broadway north of Roy Street. By 9.38 pm it reported a further 6,000 customers without power in the Capitol Hill core, bringing the total to more than 6,700, affecting homes and businesses. As of Saturday night the outage was limited to the Capitol Hill area. No restoration time was given, and Seattle City Light had not confirmed the cause.

Blustery winds and bursts of heavy rain were forecast to continue through the night. The source says weather may have contributed, but Seattle City Light has not confirmed the cause.

1. Treat weather as a possible factor only until the utility confirms the cause of a transformer failure.
2. Customer counts can rise after the first report as further damage is found, so early outage figures should not be treated as final.
3. Restoration times should not be assumed when the operator has not published one; affected people need a clear place to check updates.

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