Apartment building renovation leads to sudden power outage, loss of heat

PITTSBURGH — More than 50 people who live at the Ohara Apartments on Liberty Avenue in Lawrenceville are without heat.

Residents tell Channel 11 that the power went out on Monday night at 8 and hasn't been on since.

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"We actually left. But at some point it's just frustrating because you just want to get back home."

We talked with city officials who say the building, owned by Aishel Real Estate, was renovated without the proper permits.

Those renovations changed the electrical draw for the buildings which lead to a fire and exploded a Duquesne Light transformer.

There was also a conduit running only about 5 feet off the ground making it an extreme electrocution hazard.

We reached out to the property owner, Aishel Real Estate, who told us they are, "...putting our full energy and focus on having this issue resolved asap. We have been in constant communication with our residents...They have been offered hotel stays to ensure their safety."

Tonight, we learned the city authorized the property owner to temporarily re-energize the buildings and gave them a 60 day permit to complete the full scope of work.

Duquesne Light is also installing protective measures on the wires.

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