Failed electric cables blamed for Vancouver blast

Electrical faults in underground utility cables set off a fire and a subsequent electric arc that the fire department says caused a three-metre crater in a new commercial area under Vancouver's Granville Street Bridge.

A statement from the department says fire investigators worked with officials from utility companies to determine that a fire in a car 30 metres away from the blast was also caused by the electrical faults.

Crews & Fire Investigtor remain on scene at Granville/Pacific determining the cause of a vehicle fire and adjacent explosion. Granville between Pacific & Beach will be closed during investigation & cleanup- avoid area. Thanks for your patience. pic.twitter.com/99m4K53aJG

— Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (@VanFireRescue) January 6, 2021

The electrical arc set off an explosion that tore up large chunks of cement and damaged several nearby vehicles, but no one was hurt.

The department says traffic in the area will be affected during the cleanup and repairs to a utility vault.

The former industrial area has been redeveloped and includes grocery, drug stores, a bank, a private university, and a highrise apartment building.

Spinning Chandelier, a popular piece of public art that is near the blast, was not damaged.