Fire underground – hundreds without power
A fire broke out in an underground transformer in central Stockholm, leaving over 800 customers without electricity.
A fire occurred in a transformer located beneath the streets of Vasastan, a central district of Stockholm, causing significant disruption. The emergency services were alerted to the fire at a major electrical facility, where they found that the fire was limited to a transformer situated about 3.5 meters below ground level. Despite the fire, reports indicate that the situation on the surface remains calm.
Tommy Wållberg, a commander on the scene, explained that the fire was classified as minor, suggesting emergency teams were primarily focused on assessing the situation to ensure safety for the area. The electric company involved, Ellevio, stated that smoke had been observed emanating from the transformer but specified that it was likely more of a mechanical malfunction rather than a full blaze. They are currently conducting tests to evaluate the transformer’s functionality and to mitigate further risks.
As a result of the incident, over 800 Ellevio customers are currently experiencing power outages in the Vasastan area. Technicians are working quickly to resolve the issues and restore electricity as soon as possible for those affected. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities within urban infrastructure, particularly regarding the management of electrical utilities and their maintenance in densely populated areas.