Small explosion closes several blocks in downtown Durham

Durham Fire Department extinguished an electrical transformer fire that caused an explosion Wednesday afternoon.

The incident happened around 6:45 pm when the emergency crew was dispatched and responded with 28 personnel to a reported explosion in the 500 block of Rigsbee Ave.

According to reports, the power was disconnected from the transformer, and a combination of dry powder extinguishers and water was used to extinguish the fire.

There was significant damage to the transformer and electrical system of the building under construction.

There were no injuries and no damage to the building itself. Durham County EMS and Durham PD also assisted the Durham Fire Department to contain the fire.

Several blocks were closed due to a transformer explosion, Durham police said.