An underground transformer in downtown Davenport, near Harrison and 3rd Street, failed this morning, Thursday, Nov. 21st, briefly filling the air with smoke.
In an email news statement, MidAmerican Energy Company Media Relations Manager Geoff Greenwood says, "Late this morning near 3rd and Harrison, an underground transformer failed at this location. The transformer failure caused a strong electrical flash and sudden release of transformer oil from underneath a grate, followed by a brief release of smoke. Our crews are working on repairs. The incident did not affect service to any customers."
Davenport Chief Communications Officer Denise Hyntka says fire crews and police officers were on the scene this morning to direct traffic and assess the scene before MidAmerican took over for repairs.
Update: Davenport Fire Marshall Jim Morris sent an email news release Thursday afternoon, Nov. 21st, about the incident.
"On Thursday, November 21, 2024 at approximately 11:05 a.m., the Davenport Fire Department responded to the area of Brady and 3rd St. for the report of a possible structure fire. Five apparatus and two Incident Command vehicles responded with a total of 17 personnel on the scene.
While responding to the incident, Scott County Communications advised there were multiple reports of a loud explosion and an abundance of black smoke coming out of the ground. When the first crew arrived, they were able to quickly determine that the source of the smoke was coming from an underground utility vault. The smoke had somewhat dissipated but multiple areas of fire were noted further underground and contained to the vault. Specialized extinguishers were used to smother the flames which led to quick control of the fire. MidAmerican Energy arrived and determined an underground electrical transformer had failed and was the source of the explosion, smoke, and fire. There were no injuries noted to civilian or emergency personnel. Only minor electrical disruptions were noted in the area. Any additional information related to this incident will be released by the Fire Marshal."
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