UPDATE: (Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 9 pm)- BLUEFIELD, WV (WOAY) – The likely cause of the explosion in Bluefield last week has been released.
According to Phil Moye, with Appalachian Power, the cause of the explosion was likely due to a fault in an underground cable, causing a fuse to blow. He said the explosion sound was the fuse blowing, while the smoke was from damaged wires.
The damaged wires have been replaced.
UPDATE: (Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at 5 pm) – BLUEFIELD, WV (WOAY) – Two underground explosions prompted an evacuation in Bluefield this morning.
The Bluefield Fire Department responded to a call around 10 a.m. after witnesses heard an explosion and saw smoke rising out of a manhole. Within 10 minutes of being on the scene, authorities say a second explosion occurred.
“Our main priority until the power was cut off was basically to establish a safe zone and evacuate all the buildings to avoid any damage or any type of injuries,” said Lt. Robbie Stevenson.
The cause of the explosions is still under investigation. We are told that Appalachian Power is looking into it.
BLUEFIELD, WV (WOAY) – Emergency crews are on the scene of an underground explosion in Bluefield.
According to Mercer County Dispatchers, a call of an underground explosion out of a manhole cover was reported at around 10 am this morning in the 400 block of Bland St.
No injuries have been reported. Bluefield, WV, Bluefield, VA, and Greenvalley Fire Department are on scene. Bluefield Rescue and Bluefield Police are also on scene.
The area has been evacuated, and the road is shut down at this time.
