LOS ANGELES, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADPW) plant exploded Saturday evening, cutting power service to an undetermined number of customers in the city.
According to a LADWP press release, the high voltage explosion occurred around 6:53 p.m. (0153 GMT Sunday). Firefighters are battling an electrical fire after the explosion in the plant, which is the largest public utility providing water and power in the United States.
The 230 Kilovolt equipment, which carries high voltage electricity and distributes it to customers in the surrounding area, caught fire, the department said.
Although the fire only affected one portion of the station, power to and from the facility had been shut off, it said.
There is no report of casualties so far.
Katherine Liu, whose apartment is located about 10 km from the plant, told Xinhua that she saw heavy smoke rising to the sky and that her home and neighbors all are suffering power outrage.
