Capitol Hill transformer explosion causes power outage for over 6,700 Seattle customers

Seattle Fire responded to a transformer explosion and fire at E Aloha and Harvard Ave Saturday night at approximately 7:10 PM. Electrical equipment exploded and caught fire at the Capitol Hill intersection during severe weather conditions.

Firefighters worked to secure the scene while Seattle City Light crews assessed damage to the electrical infrastructure. The transformer explosion created visible flames and smoke in the residential neighborhood.

Blustery winds and bursts of heavy rain were forecasted to continue through the night in the Seattle area. Weather conditions may have contributed to the electrical equipment failure, though Seattle City Light has not confirmed the cause of the transformer explosion.


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Power outage affects Capitol Hill neighborhoods

Seattle City Light initially reported more than 700 customers without power following the transformer explosion. The outages included areas of Broadway north of Roy Street.

By 9:38 PM, Seattle City Light reported an additional 6,000 customers lost power in the Capitol Hill core area, bringing the total affected customers to more than 6,700.

The expanding power outage affected residential and commercial properties throughout central Capitol Hill. Seattle City Light deployed utility crews to multiple locations to address the widespread electrical disruption.

The power outage remained limited to the Capitol Hill vicinity as of Saturday night. Seattle City Light has not provided an estimated restoration time for affected customers. Residents in affected areas were advised to monitor Seattle City Light's outage map for updates on restoration efforts.