Back Bay fire causes evacuations

BOSTON (WHDH) -- The electrical fire in the Back Bay caused evacuations of nearby areas on Tuesday night.

Nearby hotels, restaurants, and business were evacuated, sending crowds of people streaming into the streets of Boston.

Police cruisers blocked off Boston’s busiest streets, which became dark when crews cut off the power in the area to fight the 3-alarm fire.

“Smoke and horrible fumes started to come out of somewhere towards the Hilton,” said Tony Cadden, a tourist.

“Then there was a huge explosion, then more smoke,” said one witness.

Although the smoke from the burning transformer was not toxic, it was enough -- along with the power outages -- to lead to the evacuation of all nearby hotels and the Prudential Center mall.

The power could be out in those affected areas until the morning.

MBTA trains are bypassing these T stops as of 6:00 a.m.:

-- Prudential
-- Symphony

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