A Lincoln squirrel met a tragic end Tuesday morning.
Around 8:45 a.m., Lincoln Fire and Rescue was called to North 14th and Avery Street for a transformer that exploded.
Public Information Officer MJ Lierman says the explosion was the result of a curious squirrel, who weaseled it’s way into the transformer which was nearby a parking garage on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln city campus.
“The power was out, there were several elevator rescues that crews had to go around and assist with getting those students out and sending them to class,” said Lierman.
Nearby traffic lights and residence halls were without power for a brief time. Up to 3,400 LES customers were without power at it’s peak.
“The squirrel caused a fire in there. The transformer blew,” said Lierman, adding that the transformer sustained minor damage.
Lierman confirmed, sadly, the squirrel didn’t make it.
“He’s no longer with us. We will miss him. Rest in peace,” she said.
No human injuries were reported. According to LES, all power was restored around 10 a.m.