Crash/Blackout Closes Easton Strip Mall

On Tuesday night, a car crashed into a transformer at the shopping center on Larry Holmes Drive, knocking out power to the nearby McDonalds, Wawa and other businesses.

On Wednesday morning, those stores—collectively known as "Easton Mall South"—remained closed and in the dark.

The Express-Times notes that power will likely be off until Friday, due to extensive repair work Met-Ed needs to complete.

All expect Smokes, the tobacco shop, which put a large "SMOKES OPEN" sign in the parking lot in front of its store.

Inside, a set of construction lights powered by a generator lit the store.

"I can't afford to lose business," the owner said. "Especially after Sandy."

A few doors down, the Wawa posted a sign referring customers to the chain's College Hill store. Workers said they had no idea when the strip mall would reopen.

Residents living downtown reported seeing their lights flicker around the time of the accident Tuesday.