Transformer explosion closes Wal-Mart (Updated)

Transformer explosion closes Wal-Mart (Updated)

The underground cables that service the Wal-Mart store on Great Northern Road failed yesterday evening, sometime shortly after 9 p.m. Although it is too soon to say for sure, Sault Ste.

The underground cables that service the Wal-Mart store on Great Northern Road failed yesterday evening, sometime shortly after 9 p.m.

Although it is too soon to say for sure, Sault Ste. Marie PUC VP Operations and Engineering Dominic Parrella says that PUC staff suspect it was that failure that blew the doors off a transformer located behind the store.

People in the neighbourhood report hearing a loud explosion and seeing a fireball fly about 50 feet into the air behind the store when the transformer exploded.

At this point in time, says Parrella, the PUC is trying to determine if the failure to the underground cables occurred on the property belonging to the Wal-Mart owners or on public property, which is the responsibility of the PUC.

If the failure occurred on property belonging to the store owners, then repairs - and their timelines - will be up the the store, he said.

Currently, crews from the PUC, S&T Electrical, a backhoe and a couple of dump trucks are working at the location of the exploded transformer behind the store.

A few store staff members are also located out front to tell customers the store is closed for the day.

One employee said management at the store is currently trying to secure the use of a generator to power the food storage devices in the store before the food spoils.

He said staff has been told the power should be restored later today but the store is not likely to reopen before tomorrow morning.