Widespread power outage hits Detroit

A massive power outage hit downtown Detroit this morning, affecting 100 of the city’s buildings, including fire stations.

The outage prompted Detroit public schools to close early. Additionally, Wayne State University cancelled classes on their main campus.

Detroit power outage hits class during infrastructure discussion – prof keeps teaching in the dark. @waynestate pic.twitter.com/6c4ZuqMd1Q

— k5haw (@k5haw) December 2, 2014

Detroit Press Office told Detroit News that “the city’s public lighting grid suffered a major cable failure that has caused the entire grid to lose power at approximately 10:30 this morning.”

Firefighters worked to free several people reportedly trapped in elevators.

Detroit Fire headed in to free people from City Hall elevators pic.twitter.com/9AvdqfzILB

— ChristineFerretti_DN (@cferretti_dn) December 2, 2014

And city-wide evacuations ensued shortly after.

Massive power outage in Detroit, evacuation of students from DIA pic.twitter.com/79DCEu1faW

— Jennifer Chambers (@jchambers_DN) December 2, 2014

Evacuations happening throughout downtown due to a massive power outage #Detroit #Local4 pic.twitter.com/xCNbefgCXf

— Jamal Bransford (@VideoManJamal) December 2, 2014

Another power failure at JLA. Much of downtown Detroit without power. pic.twitter.com/nKJmHNDfZt

— Bob Duff (@asktheduffer) December 2, 2014

The city is working to restore power.