St. E's power back to normal

YOUNGSTOWN — Electric power was restored to normal around 2 a.m. today at St. Elizabeth Health Center, according to spokesman Tina Creighton.

The hospital went on backup generator power at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday after compromised insulation on underground feeder lines sparked an underground fire.

The hospital’s emergency plan was immediately put into motion and essential patient services continued uninterrupted. At no time did the underground fire pose a danger to the hospital, the   hospital's spokeswoman said.

Generators brought in from Cleveland and Toledo were connected to enable the emergency generators to return to backup status.

Work has begun on pulling the feeder lines and replacement lines are being shipped to Youngstown. Hospital officials estimate the facility will operate on generator power the next two to three days while the new feeder lines are installed.