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Fire paralyzes the Back Bay

Transformer blaze knocks out power, halts travel, envelops area in smoke

Globe Staff

  March 14, 2012

A fire that erupted in a Back Bay transformer Tuesday evening sent a pall of black smoke over the heart of Boston, caused widespread power outages, and compelled authorities to shutter subway stations, block roads, and evacuate a major hotel. Though the blaze caused minimal structural damage and no serious injuries, it paralyzed the Back Bay and South End as the evening rush-hour wound to an end, forcing hotel guests to take to the streets and commuters to seek alternative ways to get home.

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