Video captured a powerful electrical room explosion at a Tacoma apartment complex Sunday evening, showing thick smoke and flying debris in hallways. Tacoma Fire Department said crews responded to the complex at 6400 S. 12th St. at about 5:37 p.m.; officials reported no injuries.
The footage opens with crews forcing open an electrical room door during a smoke investigation. Thick smoke poured out and seconds later a blast erupted through the doorway, sending blinds, shards of glass and other debris into the corridor and prompting firefighters to pull back to safer positions.
Quick facts
- What: electrical room explosion inside an apartment complex
- Where: 6400 S. 12th St., Tacoma
- When: about 5:37 p.m. on Sunday
- Injuries: none reported; no firefighters or residents injured
What the video shows: electrical room explosion
Video shows crews forcing open the electrical room door while investigating smoke. Smoke intensified immediately, and a sudden, forceful explosion followed. The blast shattered windows and scattered debris down the hallway toward crews and residents’ units.
In the recording, firefighters can be seen quickly stepping back from the doorway after the blast, checking one another and moving residents away from the affected corridor. A person filming briefly turned the camera away during the most intense moment; when the shot resumes, crews are conducting accountability checks and repositioning to secure the scene.
Firefighters, evacuations and shelter
Tacoma Fire Department units evacuated multiple buildings in the complex after alarms sounded and residents were moved to safety. Officials said the evacuations were a precaution and that there was no active fire inside the complex once crews assessed the electrical room.
Evacuated residents were temporarily sheltered at Hunt Middle School while crews worked to secure affected buildings and assess utilities. The American Red Cross provided assistance to people displaced from the 600 building, which officials kept closed to occupants while inspections continued.
Power, utilities and building access
Tacoma Public Utilities responded alongside fire investigators to evaluate electrical systems and public-safety risks. Officials said crews coordinated to shut off and, when safe, restore power to affected sections as inspections allowed. Tacoma Public Utilities confirmed teams were on site to inspect equipment and help restore safe access.
Fire officials said most buildings were cleared for residents to return after initial inspections, with the exception of the 600 building, where more extensive checks and utility work were needed before reentry could be allowed. Crews remained on scene to secure electrical rooms and verify building safety before reopening units.
Cause and ongoing investigation
Tacoma Fire Department and utility personnel said an electrical transformer malfunction is suspected to have pushed smoke into multiple buildings, and authorities reported the explosion occurred in the electrical room after power was shut off to the building. Those accounts come from officials on scene and are under active review.
Investigators from the fire department and Tacoma Public Utilities are continuing to examine equipment, wiring and maintenance records to determine the exact sequence and root cause. Officials emphasized the inquiry is ongoing and that no definitive cause has been confirmed publicly.
Why it matters
Explosions originating in electrical rooms can pose severe hazards to residents and first responders by projecting shrapnel, igniting smoke that moves through ventilation or travel paths, and damaging life-safety systems. Rapid evacuations and coordinated utility shutoffs are standard measures to reduce immediate risk, but thorough investigations are critical to identify mechanical failures or lapses in maintenance.
After incidents like this, fire departments and utilities commonly review response actions, equipment inspections and safety protocols to identify steps that could prevent a similar event and to protect residents, staff and emergency crews.
Frequently asked questions
Were there any injuries from the electrical room explosion?
Tacoma Fire Department said no firefighters or residents were injured.
Which buildings remain closed after the blast?
Officials cleared most buildings for residents to return but kept the 600 building closed while crews completed additional inspections and utility work. Displaced occupants received assistance from the American Red Cross.
Who is investigating the cause of the explosion?
Fire investigators from the Tacoma Fire Department are working with Tacoma Public Utilities to determine the cause. Authorities have said a transformer malfunction is suspected, but the investigation is ongoing and the exact cause has not been confirmed.
Source and attribution
- Fox News: Original report
- Tacoma Fire Department: on-scene statements and updates provided by department officials
Officials continue to investigate and the situation remained under active review at the time of reporting. The Nonstop News will update as agencies release further information.
