Transformer explosion injures one and causes outage in Lynchburg

What happened

A power line transformer exploded on Hydro Street in Lynchburg. Fire crews were dispatched and were working to put out a fire on the transformer. Officials said one person was hurt, likely from the explosion, with concussion-like symptoms, and was expected to be okay. An AEP outage map reported an outage in the immediate area affecting 804 customers. The Lynchburg Department of Emergency Services said multiple traffic signals were without power and advised drivers to treat them as four-way stops. AEP was reported to be aware of the issue. The cause was not reported.

Contributing factors

The cause of the explosion was not reported.

Lessons learned

1. A distribution transformer explosion can injure people nearby and should be treated as an emergency.
2. Check outage reports and failed traffic signals together so drivers are warned when signals lose power.
3. Early public statements should separate what officials have confirmed from what is still being investigated.

Source

wjla.com