Underground transformer fire in South Loop leads to power outages

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago firefighters responded to a large underground electrical fire in the South Loop that caused scattered power outages Thursday.

Just before 5 p.m., the Chicago Fire Department reported a ComEd transformer on fire near the intersection of LaSalle St. and Harrison St.



The department said southbound Metra traffic is stopped and several buildings are without power.



No injuries were reported, according to the agency.

At around 6 p.m., CFD officials announced that the fire has been put out.



ComEd was also on the scene. A ComEd spokesperson said a fire in a manhole damaged equipment, causing 3,500 customers to lose power.

Power has been restored to roughly 3,000 of those customers, using generators, according to the utility.

The other 500 customers are expected to have their power restored Thursday night by 11 p.m.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.