Substation explosion cuts power around Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — An electrical substation explosion caused a widespread power outage for more than an hour on and around the Purdue University campus.

West Lafayette police say the explosion happened Sunday night at a substation a couple miles north of the Purdue campus. It cut power to about 8,000 customers, including some Purdue residence halls and other buildings.

Duke Energy spokesman Kevin Johnston tells WLFI-TV that a wire was burnt in two at the substation, possibly causing a flash explosion and that it was quickly repaired.

The Journal & Courier reports several people at one apartment complex set up lawn chairs outside or sat in their cars and listened to the radio broadcast of Purdue’s NCAA basketball tournament game.