Video: 500kv Switch Opening at Power Substation

I originally discovered this by casually clicking through Google Video and found it through the “popular” items. (Why are there so man duplicates??) Anyway, I came across a video that I've been mesmerized by since.

What happens when a 500kv switch attempts to open and fails? A terrific light show– in the daytime.

A search revealed someone that could explain what was happening (not that I really understand what a shunt reactor is) with subsequent remarks by the one who shot the video.

Link to Google Video. Link to Description.

BONUS ROUND

350kv switch opening
A power substation bursting into flames.