Fire in manhole leaves thousands of Hydro-Québec customers without power

electrical workers in montreal

subscribe

MONTREAL -

Hydro-Québec says a power outage affecting Montreal is connected to an underground explosion and a fire in a manhole in Rosemont—La Petite–Patrie. 

The fire started in underground pipes belonging to Hydro-Québec on Bélanger Street between Boyer and Saint-André streets, according to Montreal firefighters, who arrived on the scene at 12:18 p.m.

The electricity had to be cut so that firefighters could get into the manhole where the equipment was located.

At the peak of the shutdown, nearly 41,000 customers were without power.  As of 7:00 p.m., 10,981 clients still had no power.

Hydro-Québec spokesperson Louis-Olivier Batty said the utility is being strategic about how it restores power. 

Because of the cold, it anticipates that people will crank up the heat as soon as they get their electricity back, and that could trigger an overload somewhere else on the network, Batty said.

The Metro's Blue line was down much of the afternoon, but the STM announced the line was back up and running just after 4:30 p.m.

Bélanger Street was blocked to traffic much of the afternoon, however, it has now been reopened.

Batty said once the smoke clears, Hydro-Québec workers will take a look at the equipment to see what failed. 

Related News

understanding-risks-of-ev-fires-in-helene-flooding

Understanding the Risks of EV Fires in Helene Flooding

MIAMI - As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, concerns about electric vehicle (EV) safety in flood-prone areas have come to the forefront. Recent warnings from officials regarding the risks of electric vehicles catching fire due to flooding from Hurricane Idalia underscore the need for heightened awareness and preparedness among consumers and emergency responders.

The alarming incidents of EVs igniting after being submerged in floodwaters have raised critical questions about the safety of these vehicles during severe weather conditions. While electric vehicles are often touted for their environmental benefits and lower emissions, it is crucial…

READ MORE
ontario-breaks-ground-on-first-small-modular-nuclear-reactor

Ontario Breaks Ground on First Small Modular Nuclear Reactor

READ MORE

ford transit van

Ford announces an all-electric Transit cargo van

READ MORE

3-ply non medical masks

3-layer non-medical masks now recommended by Canada's top public health doctor

READ MORE

alberta-ends-moratorium-on-renewable-energy-projects

Alberta Ends Moratorium on Renewable Energy Projects

READ MORE