Boom, then blackout: Nearly 2,800 lose power in NW Bend

Pacific Power says at least two fuses blew, possibly from lightning

(Update: Power restored for some - not all)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A big boom was heard by many in northwest Bend Tuesday evening as two fuses blew on a Pacific Power line -- possibly from lightning -- and knocked out power to nearly 2,800 customers for at least 2 1/2 hours.

The outage began just before 7 p.m. and initially, repair crews hoped to have power fully restored by 9:30 p.m. Indeed, that's when some residents reported the lights came back on -- but about 460 were reported as still in the dark close to 11 p.m. and the utility said crews were still assessing the situation. Some residents said power finally came back on around 12:30 a.m.

Pacific Power spokesman Tom Gauntt said the line was hit near Shevlin Park and the outage was affecting areas near Central Oregon Community College. Residents said it included parts of Valhalla Heights, NorthWest Crossing and Awbrey Butte.

You can find the latest updates on Pacific Power's Oregon outage page.