Hundreds evacuated from office tower in St. Louis Park

July 19, 2013 at 1:20AM

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — Hundreds of workers and customers were forced to evacuate an office tower in a Twin Cities suburb after an explosion and fire in the basement.

Fire officials tell KARE-TV a transformer exploded and knocked out power to the 22-story building in St. Louis Park late Thursday morning. Workers went home for the day.

Air conditioned tents were set up for firefighters because of the high heat and humidity. Firefighters from Golden Valley, Excelsior, Minnetonka and other communities were called to assist.

Crews were given the all-clear around 1:30 p.m.

No injuries were reported. Interim St. Louis Park Fire Chief Mark Windschitl tells the Star Tribune one firefighter was treated for effects from the heat.

Windschitl says no other buildings in the area were affected.

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