Underground electrical vault explodes causing power outage in Fresno

More than 1,100 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers were without power in north Fresno after an underground electrical vault exploded Friday afternoon, according to Fresno Fire Department reports.

The electrical vault blew up out of the cement about 1:45 p.m. It happened on a sidewalk at the intersection of Bullard Avenue and First Street.

At its peak, the outage extended from Fresno Street to Maroa Avenue and between Sierra and Barstow avenues, according to PG&E.

Power to most customers had been restored by 4 p.m., said PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles. Crews replaced the equipment, which may have failed due to the heat, Boyles said.

This story was originally published July 7, 2017 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Underground electrical vault explodes causing power outage in Fresno."