Snake Turns Out Lights At Crystal Mall

Dozens of firefighters rushed to the this afternoon after workers complained they smelled smoke, but it turned out to be little more than a brief power outage, Cohanzie Fire Chief John Mariano said.

A snake got into a transformer at the Crystal Mall at about 5 p.m., causing it to short out and shut down power to the Crystal Mall and Walmart, among other places, according to Mariano. Mariano said the power was turned back on shortly thereafter, although as of 6:20 p.m. Connecticut Light & Power was reporting that 68 Waterford homes were still without power.

Meanwhile, workers at Sears complained of smoke, Mariano said. Firefighters searched the HVAC system, but found nothing, he said.

The Crystal Mall was not evacuated.