KBBN – Thursday morning started with many Broken Bow citizens being awakened by the sound of what they are describing as “four big bangs”. Those bangs would later be confirmed as an explosion at the downtown power plant location.
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has asked that citizens stay clear of the downtown area as first responders work to extinguish the flames. Both Custer County Emergency Management and the Broken Bow Police Department have asked that calls to 911 dispatch be reserved for immediate emergencies, not to inquire about the outages or explosion.
Smoke could be seen in the air from far around the downtown area throughout the morning. Many businesses that first reported outages have said their power has been restored, no doubt thanks to the quick response and dedication of city workers and first responders.
The explosion is believed to be as a result of cold temperatures putting a significant stress on the city’s power system. Several citizens had indicating hearing the ground “pop” as a result of the dropping temperatures overnight.
CEO of the Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow Kyle Kellum said after a brief power outage this morning, power has been restored and the hospital is taking appointments as scheduled.
The Veteran’s Memorial Building on South 1st Avenue is open to the public today (Thur) for those still without power. Please use the west entrance.
UPDATE (10:15 AM Thursday) In a press release from the Broken Bow PIO, Broken Bow Mayor, and Broken Bow City Administrator it was stated that the explosion happened at approximately 6:17 AM at the Municipal Power Plant located in the 800 block of South B Street, causing a subsequent fire.
At the time of the explosion, two city employees were inside the power plant. Both sustained minor injuries and were transported to Melham Medical Center by Broken Bow Ambulance Service out of an abundance of caution.
The Broken Bow Electric Department has successfully rerouted power to restore service to most areas following the city-wide outage. However, some locations remain affected as crews work to fully restore power.
The following areas are currently without service:
– North 8th & C Street
– Norht 9th & J Street
– North 10th & H Street
– North 11th & H Street
– North 12th & H Street
– North 12th & D Street
– North B- 14th Street
– Highway 2 to South B St to 15th St
Additionally, the explosion impacted the City’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which automated key water service controls. Crews are currently working to manually maintain and control water services until the system can be restored.
For those without power or heat, the North Park Elementary school at 1135 North H Street and Third City Christian Church at 831 Buffalo Run Road have been designated as emergency shelters.
City crews have begun welfare checks on residents without power and are informing them of those shelters. Assistance will be provided to those needing transportation to a shelter.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Residents are encouraged to stay clear of the area while emergency crews continue their work. An emergency declaration has been signed by the Mayor.
This story will be updated if/when more information is made possible.