News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Three people were transported to the hospital due to injuries sustained in a multi-car crash at the intersection of Ripley Boulevard and Grant Street on Monday. According to Alpena Fire Chief Bill Forbush, one of the victims was in serious condition.

ALPENA — Local emergency first responders were busy this morning, as they responded to a small electrical fire at the rear of Walmart property which caused the grass under the power pole to catch fire and caused a power outage.

Police and firefighters also responded to a multi-car crash at the intersection of Grant Street and Ripley Boulevard that sent three people to the hospital, one in serious condition.

The power outage led to traffic signals turning dark and caused a large backup in traffic on M-32, near the Bagley Street intersection until power was restored to the stoplights just before noon.

Firefighters from Alpena Township quickly extinguished the blaze behind Walmart, but the power outage forced the store to close until repair crews from Alpena Power Co. made needed repairs on the electrical system.

Meijer used generators to keep the store open, but only half of the lights were on, and employees scrambled to cover meat and produce in plastic to keep it cool until full power returned.

The Alpena Township Fire Department, Alpena fire and police department, and Michigan State Police responded to the crash.

It is not known at this time how long Walmart was closed.