Massive fire & explosion at San Juan power plant triggers blackouts across Puerto Rico (VIDEOS)
Much of Puerto Rico has been left in darkness after a large blaze and an explosion knocked out a power plant in San Juan, the island’s capital. Dramatic footage of the aftermath of the blast has made the rounds online.
A fire in the Monacillos power station in San Juan on Thursday set off an explosion and triggered “significant blackouts across the island,” according to Luma Energy, the company that oversees electricity distribution in Puerto Rico, adding that it is “working to restore the system.”
BREAKING: Much of the Metro area of Puerto Rico, the most populated area of the island, is without power right now after an explosion & fire at a power plant in the San Juan. I’m working to get more information from @lumaenergypr which hasn’t released any details, yet. pic.twitter.com/3ejpfBIH89
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) June 10, 2021
While the cause of the blaze remains unclear, power outages have been reported in San Juan, Carolina, Bayamon, Guaynabo, Loiza and Rio Grande, among other areas, according to local media.
— Lame Person 💛💚 (@Genesis12522877) June 10, 2021
Photos and videos have circulated on social media showing the plant following the fire, with a thick column of black smoke seen rising into the sky.
JUST IN - Blackout in Puerto Rico following an explosion and large fire at a San Juan power plant. pic.twitter.com/sOBQsHpRht
— 🇵🇹 MODERN ERA NEWS ➐ 🇪🇺 (@ModernEraNews) June 10, 2021
Incendio en Monacillos #apagónPRpic.twitter.com/pykczXVsOk
— Valeria Collazo (@ValeriaCollazoC) June 10, 2021
— Lame Person 💛💚 (@Genesis12522877) June 10, 2021
The Puerto Rican capitol building was also left without power, forcing lawmakers to conduct official business in the dark.
Power failure at the Puerto Rico capitol. https://t.co/9bTQZplIqj
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) June 10, 2021
The island’s fire service shared photos of the station as responders worked to extinguish the blaze, though their progress so far is unclear.
Personal de @Bomberos_de_PR comienza con labores de extinción del incendio registrado en subestación de Monacillos. pic.twitter.com/efXpmTcwZo
— Negociado del Cuerpo de Bomberos (@Bomberos_de_PR) June 10, 2021
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