73 Blazer No Start No Lights - Ignition Switch??

[cysko9]

Went out to fire up the blazer tonight and when I put the key in the ignition and turn to run I heard a pop. All the dash lights went out and the engine doesn't crank. The key still turns (actually it used to be kinda sticky at the run position but now turns much free-er) but no lights or ignition.

I took out the cylinder and it appears to be ok. It engages the wheel lock and everything still so i appears that the issue lies deeper in the column. Is this a ignition switch problem or something else in the column?

One thing i did notice is that the hazard lights still work, so the column is still getting power...