A hole caused by a blown transformer. Photo courtesy Libby Casey.

A hole caused by a blown transformer. Photo courtesy Libby Casey.

Friday Update: Just over 700 Pepco customers in D.C. are still without power.

Another large hole has appeared in Washington, D.C., this time apparently caused by a transformer. (The power kind, not a robot in disguise.)

A blown transformer is believed to have created a large hole near Veranda restaurant in Logan Circle and also knocked out power in that area around 3:20 p.m. MPD closed 11th St NW between Rhode Island Ave. and O St. NW, but Rhode Island Ave. and O St. have since been reopened. As a photo posted by CSPAN’s Libby Casey on Twitter shows, the explosion created a large hole and knocked over planters at Veranda. Casey also reported a burning electric smell and smoke at the site.

The person who answered the phone at Veranda said the restaurant will be closed until power is restored. No part of the restaurant was damaged.

A Pepco spokesperson said a piece of underground equipment caused two feeder lines to malfunction, knocking out power to over 5,000 Pepco customers in the area. That number had been cut in half less than two hours after the incident.

D.C. police said on Twitter a transformer blew, but Pepco could not confirm this. Crews are investigating.

Update: Here’s another picture of the hole.

Filed Under: hole, pepco, Transformer,