USA, Illinois, La Grange Park: A transformer fire behind the Arbor Animal Hospital in La Grange Park destroyed four vehicles and damaged several others after a utility pole came down in a nearby car park.
Firefighters were called to the site at around 1:34 p.m. after the pole, two transformers and three main power lines reportedly fell behind the building. Mineral oil from the transformers caught fire, producing large flames and thick, dark smoke.
The animal hospital, a nearby BP petrol station and an adjacent medical office building were evacuated. Downed electrical lines initially made it difficult for crews to approach the blaze, although firefighters were able to tackle fires involving several vehicles.
ComEd later de-energised the affected lines, allowing the fire to be brought under control. No injuries were reported among people or animals.
The utility restored power to the wider area within several hours and continued working overnight to replace the pole, repair the remaining damage and reconnect the animal hospital and petrol station.
ComEd also cleaned up the spilled transformer mineral oil. Fire officials said the incident damaged the car park, driveway, concrete surfaces and several vehicles in addition to the four cars that were completely destroyed.
Source: CBS News
