Flames and black smoke blast from beneath the sidewalk that runs beside the World Bank headquarters in Washington

The World Bank in Washington D.C., and buildings in the surrounding area, have been partially evacuated because of an underground fire.

Firefighters and rescue teams have rushed to the scene. No injuries have been reported.  The blaze was apparently caused by a transformer explosion under ground.

Reports from the scene say hundreds of people have gathered outside the buildings, but the situation is calm.

Some information for this story provided by AP.