INDIANAPOLIS — A steam leak that sent a manhole cover and debris this weekend into the Downtown Indianapolis sky occurred after a power interruption when a telecommunications contractor hit a power line.
The contractor struck an AES power line Saturday morning south Citizens Energy Group's Perry K facility, near South West Street and Kentucky Avenue, Laura O'Brien, corporate communications coordinator, said in an email.
This caused a power interruption at the facility and impacted a portion of the steam supply.
Power was restored by AES midday and steam was restored to the affected customers, O'Brien said. The steam leak happened around 2:40 p.m. near Michigan Street and Senate Avenue and was isolated around 3:45 p.m.
It's important to note, O'Brien said, this kind of distribution is "extremely rare" and while an investigation into the situation is still ongoing, the leak wasn't because of a lack of maintenance, corroded or broken-down infrastructure.
It wasn't related to any previous sewer collapses.
PREVIOUS | Citizens Energy investigating after steam pipe sends debris into air
2:40 PM - #IFD Firefighters on scene at Michigan and Senate after an underground steam pipe let loose sending hot steam & debris into the air. STAY AWAY from area on foot, bike or car. @citizensenergy is on scene working to shut down pipe but will take a minute to do so. pic.twitter.com/9u4ZAKtnRK
— Indianapolis Fire Department 🚒 (@IFD_NEWS) June 12, 2021
