Fire Chief Angel Crespo said a power switch got overheated, causing a 2,000-gallon mineral oil tank to explode.
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Alejandro Garcia Padilla, the governor of Puerto Rico, has stated that telecommunications systems are working as usual, and the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport will remain open and in service.
“We all want the system to be back online”, Garcia said. I assume complete responsibility. “Everyone knows that the company’s maintenance problems began decades ago”, said the governor, who evaded questions on whether Prepa is equipped to handle emergencies such as hurricanes.
In June, the Supreme Court rejected a proposal that would allow public utilities in Puerto Rico, such as the Electric Power Authority, to restructure their debt.
The company officials have previously said they needed more funds to replace outdated equipment.
A fire at the substation of Aguirre power plant in the southeastern part of the island plunged homes and businesses into darkness on Wednesday night, causing traffic jams as cars tried to navigate streets sans stoplights, and making for an uncomfortable, A/C-less night’s sleep.
The company said in a press release that no injuries had been reported and the fire was controlled.
The outage also affected water service across the island, with officials urging customers to be prudent in their usage.
At least one person died overnight from exposure to carbon monoxide after setting up a personal generator, and a 76-year-old man was taken to the hospital in good condition after spending the night trapped in an elevator at a government building, Garcia said.
“I call on people to cooperate and respect drivers and government officials … to avoid any regrettable incidents”, Transportation Secretary Miguel Torres said.
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The authorities are hoping to restore power later on Thursday. People took to social media to demand where exactly their money is going.
