Repairs Under Way After California Underground Blasts

July 17, 2008
A series of explosions in an underground vault late Wednesday sent a manhole flying and injured at least one person.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. --

Repair crews were working Thursday in Sacramento's Oak Park neighborhood after a series of explosions in an underground vault late Wednesday sent a manhole flying and injured at least one person.

The blasts occurred at about 10 p.m. near the intersection of Stockton Boulevard and 39th Street and in front of the Coca-Cola plant, which was left without elecricity.

Inside the vault, wires were fried and frayed by the blasts, which sent thick smoke skyward.

Authorities said a passing truck was hit by the manhole cover. A child was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

A county mental health facility and an AT&T facility also had power knocked out.

Firefighters could only watch as the wires burned underground late Wednesday. Utility crews worked to shut the power off before anyone could venture down into the vault to survey the damage.

Fresh air was pumped into the vault. Sacramento Municipal Utility District workers were called in to replace the damaged wiring.

One lane of northbound Stockton Boulevard was shut down as repairs took place.

UC Davis Medical Center, which is located nearby, was not affected by the blasts.

Copyright 2008 by KCRA.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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