Two workers were hurt, but not seriously, when a concrete boom truck struck an electrical power line at Third and Market streets about 11 a.m. Wednesday, touching off an explosion and setting two trucks on fire.
Workers were using the boom truck to pour concrete for the new intersection when the accident happened.
Police Chief Ken Hahn said police set up a perimeter and evacuated residents from nearby homes. When Washington firefighters first arrived they concentrated efforts on keeping homes from catching on fire until AmerenUE crews could cut power to the area.
The fire destroyed both the boom truck and a concrete truck, Hahn said.
The boom could not be lowered because the hydraulic system was damaged.
A company was bringing in a second crane to support the damaged boom until workers can cut it into pieces for removal. Hahn said that work should be completed by midnight.
