ALTOONA -- Many Altoona residents are without power Sunday night due to a widespread power outage.
Blair County Non-emergency says callers began reporting problems around 6:30 p.m.
According to an Altoona Firefighters Facebook page, there was an underground explosion inside a vault on 15th Street, causing the outages. Penelec is on scene trying to restore power.
There is no estimated restoration time.
Altoona Police are asking people to avoid downtown if possible while the problem is resolved.
Mayor Matthew Pacifico says there are several people on site and more people are coming in for backup. Pacifico adds he's spoken to management with Penelec, who will be keeping the county and Altoona Fire Chief Freehling updated with new developments.
Officials say if anyone without power requires assistance, call the 911 center.
6 News received word that the central Blair Senior Center is closed as a result of the outage but Meals on Wheels service is still on.
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