Transformer explosion reported downtown - sort of

[Steve]

Transformer explosion reported downtown

  Contributor: Brandon Westerman
Email: bwesterman@ccjax.com
Last Update: 1:53 pm     

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Officials are responding to downtown Jacksonville after witnesses reported hearing an explosion on the north side.

Sources with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue say there was some kind of transformer explosion on Fay and New Berlin Roads.

Check back for more information on this story as it becomes available.

http://www.cbs47.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=05eabf25-d3c3-4b76-824f-6f9971647e6b

[Steve]

I wasn't aware that New Berlin Road came anywhere near downtown.

You know, we've complained before about murders and shootings that don't happen downtown that are reported to be downtown.  I guess this is an extension of it

[thelakelander]

New Berlin may be closer to Nassau County then it is to downtown.

[Lunican]

It's a very big fire. CNN has live video of it.

[Ocklawaha]

This is at a Chemical Plant near the JEA northside generating plant. Fears are it is toxic or the smoke is toxic. The blast brought down 125,000 volt transmission lines. 4 are in hospital with injurys from flying glass. Cars were blown off the road. Smoke moving East toward Hecksher Drive, at about 1,000 feet. Some debris has been seen falling from smoke, and a sea breeze threatens to push the smoke back over the City

Anyone that knows where the Blount Island Port Terminals are, this is located across the street to the North, and West of the Island. Making it above New Berlin, or between the Port and Downtown.

Ocklawaha

[Lunican]

[downtownparks]

New Berlin Rd goes all the way to the river, right by Yellow Bluff, where the Broward Bridge crosses..

Not to get too far off topic, but New Berlin was a late 1800s town on Yellow Bluff, a few of the original structures are still standing, including an old hotel.

[Jason]

Did anyone see the servailance videos from the surrounding buisnesses on the news last night?  That was one nasty explosion.  Its a miracle more people didn't get hurt.

[fsujax]

the video is pretty amazing to see.  Firstcoast News and News 4 Jax websites have it available.  It's a must see.

[Lunican]

http://www.youtube.com/v/AllwzGyh664

[Jason]

Thanks Lunican.

While watching that I can almost feel the shock myself.

[gatorback]

Yes, thanks.

[Lunican]

Coast Guard infrared video of the explosion:

http://www.youtube.com/v/9aGwSBXDzPg

[gatorback]

so no body was killed?

[Charles Hunter]

four, including a co-founder of the company, were killed at the explosion site