I believe it could be much simpler than you think. (Score 1)

It appears the streetlight simply burnt out... This would cause a small explosion, but does not damage the light... The artifact cast is just from the bright light emitted. If you look very closely, there is a small amount of 'fuzz' around the light in the last picture that wasn't there in the first... Occams Razor ;-) Simplest explanation is the most likely... Also, the boat in the background isn't moving ;-) Anyway, flame away...