PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - A cloud of black smoke hovered over Providence after a transformer at the Manchester Street power plant caught fire Saturday.

The explosion happened around 11 a.m. at the National Grid's substation by the Port of Providence. About 5,000 gallons of mineral oil burned, according to Providence Fire Deputy Chief Brian Mahoney, reports Turn to 10.

The transformer was in the yard next to the building. National Grid also runs a facility on the property, but spokesperson Ted Kresse said no National Grid equipment was damaged.

"This particular plant has a skeleton crew that works in the plant. There was never any danger of the plant itself catching fire," Mahoney said.

65 members of the Providence Fire Department responded to the fire.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.


Source: Turn to 10