A natural explosion left about 1,200 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers without power this afternoon in the Mid-Wilshire area, according to the utility.
The explosion occurred around 2:15 p.m. in an underground vault near Olympic Boulevard and Ridgeley Drive, said Gale Harris of the LADWP.
The explosion sent a steel cover into the air which struck a passing car. No injuries were reported.
A witness said the explosion was so loud and strong, it shook his apartment building.
According to a LADWP crew, the explosion was the result of a build up of methane gas which was ignited from a spark.
LADWP checked the area for gas levels and there is no risk of additional explosions since the methane had dissipated.
