Transformer failure causes smoke and oil to fill downtown Davenport [Video]

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – Police and firefighters responded to a transformer failure near Brady and 3rd streets in downtown Davenport.

According to Media Relations Manager at MidAmerican Energy Company Geoff Greenwood, an underground transformer failed. The failure caused a strong electrical flash and sudden release of oil from underneath a grate.

MidAmerican crews are working on repairs, Greenwood said. No customers were affected by the transformer failure.

The Davenport Fire Department responded about 11:05 a.m. Thursday to a possible fire near Brady and 3rd streets, according to a media release. Scott County Communications received multiple reports of a loud explosion and black smoke coming from the ground.

Crews said they determined quickly the smoke was coming from an underground utility vault.

Some of the smoke was beginning to go away, crews said. However, multiple areas of fire were noted underground and contained to the vault.

Specialized extinguishers were used to …