Blown Breaker Chases Residents from High Rise

Parts of Water and Northampton streets in downtown Hellertown were temporarily closed Friday afternoon, as emergency and fire crews responded to an incident at the Saucon Manor senior high-rise on Northampton Street.

A Hellertown police officer confirmed at the scene that the response was due to a blown breaker on a utility pole next to the building, which lost power.

As of late afternoon a PPL crew was at the scene to repair the damage to the breaker.

At least one nearby worker reported hearing a loud "boom," according to a second-hand account provided by a Main Street business owner.

Residents of the high-rise were temporarily evacuated while fire officials evaluated the status of electrical service in the building.

There were no reports of injuries.