An electrical explosion at one of Google’s largest data centers in Council Bluffs, Iowa left three people in critical condition Monday and caused outages to company services.
First responders arrived at the center shortly before noon following initial reports of a “large explosion” now being called an “electrical incident,” according to the Omaha World-Herald. Three people reportedly suffered serious burns as a result of the incident and were transported to an area hospital.
🚨#BREAKING: Reports of explosion at Google data center in Iowa
Right now Thousands to million of users where having major issues with the web search service google as it was currently down as reports say an explosion has occurred at Google data center pic.twitter.com/fh9TFGRE9Q
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) August 9, 2022
Two of the victims were transported to the Nebraska Medical Center via ambulance, while the other victim was flown in critical condition by helicopter, the outlet reported. All of the victims were conscious and talking following the incident, Council Bluffs Fire Department assistant chief Jim Wood told the Omaha World-Herald.
One of the victims suffered a lower torso injury, while others suffered burns on their faces, arms, and thighs, according to a local Twitter account that reportedly follows police scanners. Local fire authorities are still investigating the incident, referring to it as “definitely some sort of electrical issue,” according to TechRadar.
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Google Search was allegedly most impacted by the explosion, with Maps and YouTube also seeing minor increases in outage issue reports on Downdector, TechRadar continued. Google did not announce any service disruptions as a result of the incident, the outlet noted. (RELATED: Google Issues Massive Warning To Users Of Chrome)
“We are aware of an electrical incident that took place today at Google’s data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, injuring three people onsite who are now being treated,” a Google spokesperson told KETV. “The health and safety of all workers is our absolute top priority, and we are working closely with partners and local authorities to thoroughly investigate the situation and provide assistance as needed.”