Raccoon May Not Have Caused Transformer Blast

Utility officials said they are rethinking the cause of transformer explosions, originally blamed on an errant raccoon, that lit up the sky over Culver City Saturday night in a display of flashing light, sparks and noise.

Southern California Edison workers did see a raccoon near the site of the explosions, which left more than 5,800 residents without power for up to four hours, said spokesman Steve Hansen.

“Upon further investigation they decided the raccoon was not necessarily the cause, and we’re saying we don’t know what the cause is,” Hansen said. “We’re still investigating.” The explosions erupted at transformers at Overland Avenue and Farragut Drive. One resident said she heard hissing noises as the power went on and off, then “the whole sky lit up with an eerie green light.”