December 03, 2016
Kevin Shelly/for PhillyVoice
A malfunctioning foam system at the PECO substation near Lombard and Juniper streets in Center City spewed foam into the roadway on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.
Large amounts of firefighting foam covered a narrow Center City street after a transformer explosion at a PECO substation Saturday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Fire Department confirmed.
The "ongoing issue" originating at the power company's substation at 13th and Lombard streets has left more than 2,700 people without power, said Greg Smore, a PECO spokesperson.
A malfunctioning foam system at the PECO substation near Lombard and Juniper streets in Center City spewed foam into the roadway on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.
Firefighters responded to the foam-covered scene near Juniper and Lombard streets around 12:55 p.m. The foam could be seen spewing out onto the street.
Smore said that the foam was a part of the company's fire suppression system that was activated after the explosion. He said that that substance is not hazardous.
"Anytime there's a type of issue with equipment, it will be activated to prevent further damage," Smore said.
Well, Center City is interesting today. pic.twitter.com/sygNKvHWYn
— Dan McQuade (@dhm) December 3, 2016
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management tweeted that streets are closed near Juniper and Lombard off Broad Street in Center City as crews cleaned up the substance.
Traffic Alert: @PhillyFireDept & @PhillyPolice activity has streets closed near Juniper and Lombard off Broad Street In Center City Philly. pic.twitter.com/qbD8qaF1AH
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) December 3, 2016
Power was restored to about 90 percent of those affected around 3:30 p.m., Smore said.
@PhillyPolice @PhilaOEM @PhillyFireDept hazmat teams enroute transformer explosion that triggered release fire suppresion foam. First snow! pic.twitter.com/PupeJDdjHd
— Joe Sullivan (@PPDJoeSullivan) December 3, 2016
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.
