Massive power outage hits west Los Angeles, triggers traffic jams

LOS ANGELES — Officials say a power outage is causing traffic jams across the west side of Los Angeles and leaving people trapped in elevators.

Fire Department spokesman Lauren deRosier said a transformer blew up at a Department of Water and Power facility at about 7:47 p.m. Wednesday.

He says that firefighters have responded to 13 reports of people trapped in elevators within 30 minutes. Meanwhile, police say traffic lights are out, snarling traffic across Brentwood, Westwood and other neighborhoods in the area.

It’s not immediately clear how many people are without power. DWP officials have not returned calls seeking information.