TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – An explosion that left several roads closed in downtown Tallahassee on Tuesday was caused by the accumulation of combustible gas, according to the city.
An underground electrical fire broke out on the morning of Oct. 6. The fire was caused by a fault in the underground cabling under Calhoun St, Tony Guillen, general manager of the city’s Electric and Gas Utility said in an email to City Manager Karen Jumonville.
A report, sent in that email, said early indicators suggest combustible gases caused by “burning electrical cable insulation” built up, which led to the explosion.
A portion of South Monroe Street saw significant damage. The city’s report noted that the Florida Department of Transportation had ongoing road work in the area.
“As part of standard roadway construction practices, existing manholes are temporarily covered with steel plates and asphalt until construction progresses to the point where the manholes can be raised to their final elevation and permanent covers installed,” the report said. “In this instance, these temporary coverings appear to have restricted the release of gases from the underground infrastructure, allowing pressure to accumulate.”
According to city officials, an independent engineering firm will also evaluate the findings of the report and potential contributing factors.
The underground fire caused several road closures for the majority of Tuesday, including East Apalachee Parkway and North Calhoun Street. The fire also disrupted services like text-to-911 and in-person visitation at the Leon County Detention Facility. Roads reopened Later Tuesday and many services were restored by Wednesday.
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