Explosions heard in downtown San Antonio caused by equipment failure, CPS Energy says

The explosions prompted evacuations from an area hotel and moved vehicles from the impact, police say

SAN ANTONIO – Multiple underground explosions heard in downtown San Antonio overnight were caused by equipment failure, according to CPS Energy.

These explosions prompted evacuations from an area hotel and caused vehicles in the area to move around from the impact, San Antonio police said. This all happened just after 12 a.m., Saturday, on Jefferson and Martin Streets, near Travis Park.

Police said the first explosion happened at 12:15 a.m. and knocked out the power of at least 10 city blocks, affecting over 200 CPS customers. Authorities said people who were staying at The St. Anthony Hotel were also forced to evacuate out of precaution.

The electricity was restored around 1:45 a.m., but then a second explosion happened just 10 minutes later, according to authorities. The impact pushed a red truck several feet forward, police said.

A third explosion happened a few minutes later, and manhole covers flew up several feet in the air, according to SAPD.

CPS Energy officials said crews are still working to replace the underground equipment. The utility added that the equipment failure can cause significant noise and manhole lids to vent.

No injuries were reported from any of the explosions and police closed several city blocks to prevent traffic flow and pedestrians from crossing.

We’ll bring more updates to this story as they become available.

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About the Authors:

Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. She previously worked for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois.

John Paul Barajas is a reporter at KSAT 12. Previously, he worked at KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley. He has a degree from the University of Houston. In his free time, he likes to get a workout in, spend time on the water and check out good eats and drinks.