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Power out in part of Ballston after possible transformer explosion

Fire engine in front of the AVA Ballston Square building in Ballston after power outage (staff photo by Lene Query)

(Updated at 1:55 p.m.) At least a couple of large buildings in Ballston are without power after reports of a possible transformer explosion.

Firefighters were initially dispatched to the area shortly before 1 p.m. after a caller reported a loud explosion-like sound and some smoke believed to be coming from a power transformer.

They were subsequently also dispatched to the AVA Ballston Square apartment building at 850 N. Randolph Street for a report of an elevator that was stuck with people inside after the power went out.

An office building across the street, which houses ARLnow’s offices, is also without power.

The outage appears to be relatively isolated, according to Dominion’s outage map, with just under 400 homes and businesses affected. Restoration of power is currently estimated between 5-8 p.m.