UPDATE: It started with an underground cable failure linked to the transformer. Macy's and World Market remain without power.
A blown transformer knocked out power along Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance today, forcing two businesses to close and trapping one person in an elevator.
The transformer blew about 11:20 a.m. near Crate & Barrel on Hawthorne near Carson Street, Torrance fire Capt. Steve Deuel said.
The Torrance Fire Department received numerous calls and Southern California Edison responded.
"The initial outage affected the local area and was believed to be the cause of a person being trapped in an elevator for 10 minutes in an office building at 22230 Hawthorne Blvd.," Deuel said. "Firefighters assisted in rescuing the trapped person."
Smoke from the explosion drifted into the Crate & Barrel store. The business closed, along with the neighboring Bank of America branch because of the power loss.
Traffic was snarled while traffic lights were out. SCE expected to have power completely restored by Wednesday morning, Deuel said.
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