Transformer explosion evacuates Bourbon Street, cuts power in New Orleans

An underground electrical transformer exploded near Bourbon and Conti streets late on July 4, sending smoke into the roadway, forcing evacuations in the French Quarter and cutting power to nearly 900 customers during one of New Orleans’ busiest holiday nights. The blast hit around 10:36 p.m., in the middle of Fourth of July celebrations and ESSENCE Fest weekend, in a district where hotels, restaurants and live music venues were packed with visitors.

By 11:25 p.m., the New Orleans Police Department had cleared the 400 block of Bourbon Street and the 700 block of Conti Street, including guests at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. NOLA Ready issued an alert at 11:01 p.m. telling residents and visitors to avoid the area, and the outage stretched across the French Quarter from Rampart Street to Decatur Street, including Bienville Street and Iberville Street.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the situation could have been catastrophic. She credited police, firefighters and the National Guard for the response as crews worked to keep streets clear and manage crowds in the dark. Mayor Helena Moreno said Entergy was working to restore electricity and that extra patrols were being added to keep people safe.

Fire Chief Roman Nelson said firefighters could not begin fully suppressing the electrical fire until power was disconnected. Crews first used dry chemical extinguishers, then switched to water after the current was cut. The cause was still under investigation, and the fire started beneath an underground vault.

Power was restored to nearly 900 buildings in the French Quarter on July 5. A lineman was threatened by an individual with a gun while crews were responding, delaying restoration work.