David Chang

Underground Fire Leads to Power and Traffic Light Outages in Center City

The fire was reported in the area of 16th and Cherry streets Wednesday around 6:30 p.m.

What to Know

  • An underground fire led to power outages and street closures in Center City Wednesday evening.
  • The fire was reported in the area of 16th and Cherry streets around 6:30 p.m.
  • The fire caused street closures on 16th Street between the Ben Franklin Parkway and Race Street. More than 80 customers are without power.

A Wednesday evening underground fire led to power outages and street closures in Center City.

The fire was reported in the area of 16th and Cherry streets around 6:30 p.m. Smoke and sparks could be seen coming from a manhole at the location.

Officials have not revealed the cause of the fire but say it's related to an underground piece of equipment.

A spokesman from PECO told NBC10 86 customers were without power. Scattered traffic lights were out between 15th and 20 streets and JFK Boulevard and Race Street, PECO said.

No injuries were reported.

Crews worked into Thursday to fix the issues, focusing on two separate sections of underground damaged cable, PECO said. The area remained without power Thursday night, however.

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