“Hydro vault” explosion on King near Yonge emergency

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Hydro pumping water and drying equipment before repairs in vault

Hydro crews worked Monday night to assess and repair damage done at an underground vault outside Scotia Plaza on King Street West following a late afternoon series of explosions and fire. Brown acrid smoke and frightening explosions shot out of sidewalk grates (see video) as pedestrians ran for safety. Power was down to two buildings on King and Wellington. The Royal Bank Building was evacuated, streetcars re-routed, the subway bypassed King Station and King Street was closed from Church to west of Bay. Police wore surgical masks to try to protect against the smoke.