Fire Breaks Out At Hancock Center
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A malfunctioning electrical transformer drew dozens of firefighters and more than 20 pieces of firefighting equipment to the John Hancock Center.
No one was hurt, but police prevented residents from the condominium side of the building, at 175 E. Delaware Pl., from re-entering for more than an hour until Commonwealth Edison crews could shut off power to the defective transformer, which was located in a 75th floor equipment room.
One of the battalion chiefs at the scene told WBBM Newsradio that the transformer gave off smoke and an acrid smell, but said no actual flames developed.
Condominiums occupy the Hancock Center from the 44th floor to the 93rd floor.
The Fire Department automatically dispatches extra equipment on high-rise fire calls.
While Michigan Avenue and Chestnut Street were cleared by 3:15 p.m., More than a dozen fire engines and battalion chiefs' cars blocked Delaware Place in front of the Hancock Center until 4 p.m.
