Transformer Fire Causes Manhole Explosion Outside World Bank

WASHINGTON - A transformer explosion outside the World Bank forced the evacuation of the World Bank building and caused gridlock downtown Thursday morning.

Pepco spokeswoman Mary-Beth Hutchinson tells WTOP one transformer blew, causing a problem with one manhole. She says one transformer, one manhole and one cable are affected.

"Crews are working to isolate the transformer so that repairs can be made without losing power to any of the surrounding customers," Hutchinson says.

"This is simply electrical in nature," FBI spokeswoman Deb Weirman says. "It appears not to be any type of criminal action."

There are no reports of any injuries.

Hutchinson says it's an ordinary incident and probably was caused by all the recent rain. She says that could have caused an electrical short. She says a cable probably caught fire as well but doesn't know whether the fire came first or the explosion.

World Bank spokesman Damian Milverton tells WTOP the World Bank Building does not have air conditioning and that workers have been told to go home.

"It proves the need for continued investment in infrastructure, along the lines of what we did along M Street in Georgetown," D.C. Mayor Tony Williams said on WTOP's Ask the Mayor program.

(Copyright 2005 by WTOP and The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)