Underground explosion downtown disrupts traffic and shuts down power

UPDATE 10:00pm:

“As of 10:00 p.m., BGE has restored power to the vast majority of customers who were without electric service after the company de-energized the electric system for safety due to an underground fire. BGE crews continue to perform the necessary repairs to restore customers who remain without power and anticipates the balance of customers will be restored in stages overnight and into Monday morning. Customers may experience additional temporary service interruptions during the restoration process. BGE appreciates our customers’ patience during this work and the coordinated efforts with Baltimore City to ensure it is performed safely and as quickly as possible.”

UPDATE:

According to officials, the Enoch Pratt Central Library will be closed Monday, September 30 because of the power outage caused by the manhole fire in the Mount Vernon area on Sunday.

The damage to the Pratt's fiber lines which provide internet service locally and statewide is being assessed.

UPDATE:

Statement from BGE -

Early Sunday morning, BGE de-energized the electric system in the area of 300 N. Charles St. so that the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) could respond to an underground fire safely. At this time, approximately 2,200 customers are without electric service. BCFD has extinguished the fire, and BGE is now assessing the impact on the underground electric infrastructure to carry out necessary repairs and ensure safe service for affected customers. BGE appreciates customers’ patience and the coordinated efforts with Baltimore City to ensure the restoration is performed safely and as quickly as possible.

An underground explosion caused a manhole fire in downtown Baltimore this morning. It happened in the 300 block of N. Charles St. around 5:30am.

Power was turned off to the area and the fire has been put out. Traffic disruptions continue as the fire is investigated.

BCFD says one firefighter was injured and taken to the hospital. No other injuries have been reported.

N. Charles Street is currently shutdown from Lexington St. to Mulberry Street. Saratoga Street is shut down from St. Paul St. to Sharp St.

According to the Baltimore City office of Emergency Management, University of Maryland: Midtown Hospital is operating on generator power.

No time has been given for when the power will be turned back on.