VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — Residents across the Vinton County region were startled Thursday afternoon as a massive black cloud billowed from the horizon. The dramatic scene unfolded in Wilkesville, where a transformer at the Rolling Hills power generation station caught fire and exploded.
Wilkesville Village Mayor Matt Smith confirmed the incident, stating that the transformer blaze triggered a significant response from multiple fire departments throughout the region. Crews worked to control the fire, which was reported to be under control as of early this morning.
In a social media update, Mayor Smith assured the public that there were no health concerns related to the smoke from the power plant. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation.