An explosion occurred at an apartment complex in Tacoma, Washington, on Sunday, June 28, prompting officials to evacuate eight buildings after firefighters investigating a smoke report were forced to retreat from an electrical room. No injuries were reported.
The incident began around 5:37 p.m. when firefighters responded to an apartment complex at 6400 S. 12th St. following reports of smoke coming from an electrical conduit. After a resident pulled a fire alarm, crews began evacuating buildings as a precaution.
Dramatic video footage captured the moment firefighters forced open the door to the electrical room. Thick smoke billowed out, and seconds later, a powerful explosion erupted, sending flames and debris outward and shattering windows. Firefighters quickly retreated from the immediate area.
In an update on X, the Tacoma Fire Department stated that the explosion occurred inside the electrical room after firefighters had shut off power to the building. Officials indicated that an electrical transformer malfunction had pushed smoke into multiple buildings.
Tacoma Public Utilities and fire investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the blast. Residents from the evacuated buildings were temporarily sheltered at Hunt Middle School. The American Red Cross is assisting residents displaced from the 600 building, as crews continue to work on restoring power. All buildings were cleared for residents to return except for the 600 building.