Blown transformer knocks out power, shuts down businesses

A blown transformer in downtown Palm Springs knocked out the power to a busy stretch of restaurants and businesses Saturday afternoon.

According to Palm Springs police Sergeant Harvey Reed, the transformer blew around 3:30 PM on Saturday. An upended manhole cover and pieces of concrete were the results of the explosion next to the parking structure on Baristo and Palm Canyon, behind the Village Pub. Witnesses say the explosion set off car alarms in the structure even sending a fireball up in the air.

Power was knocked out to a major stretch of downtown on Palm Canyon drive between Ramon and Arenas. It forced several restaurants and businesses to close for the night including, LuLu California Bistro, Chop House, Grind Burger Bar and others.

Southern California Edison reports the outage was caused by equipment problems and is affecting 775 customers. Crews are on scene trying to fix the problem.