Mylar Balloon Causes Transformer Explosion, Downed Wires

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – A Mylar balloon got tangled up in a power line today, causing a transformer to explode in Huntington Beach, but no injuries were reported.

The explosion at 12:13 p.m. at 6371 Down Drive was more like a loud "popping" sound that led to a "big spark," triggering a flood of calls from area residents and resulting in a power outage, said Huntington Beach Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Lopez.

Some wires came down, and Southern California Edison crews were summoned, Lopez said.

Nearly 2,800 Edison customers were initially without power, but the utility had pared that number down to 161 by 1:30 p.m., according to SCE spokeswoman Mary Ann Milbourn. Those customers are expected to have power restored within the hour.

Huntington Beach fire officials, however, at about 1:30 p.m., said the outage in immediate area could last five hours.

The boundaries for the outage were Melbourne Drive, Windemeir Lane, Ventura Drive and Countess Drive.

The silver metallic coating on Mylar balloons is a conductor of electricity, which is why they need to be kept away from power lines.

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--City News Service/Image via Huntington Beach FD