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Explosion Causes Underground Fire, Power Outage in Newark, NJ

by Tina Kells | June 30, 2009 at 09:59 am

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An underground transformer explosion has caused a fire in Newark, New Jersey, causing a power outage in the downtown core. Public Service Electric & Gas reported the explosion and subsequent power outage occurred at 11:30 am local time.

At least three people were injured when flames from the explosion shot through a a grate on the street. One of the injured sustained minor burns and none of the injuries are thought to be life threatening even though names and medical condition have not been released.

Some reports claim that two of the injured were Public Service Electric & Gas employees were injured in the blast. Police have closed off a section of downtown Newark on Broad Street between Bridge Street and Central Avenue.

Firefighters are containing the fire that erupted after the transformer explosion. Public Service Electric & Gas has no estimate as to when power in the effected areas will be restored.

Newark police say Public Service Electric & Gas was working on the transformer when it caught fire and exploded around 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Workers in the IDT building say they heard a loud boom and everyone evacuated the building.

EMS says two workers were injured. Their conditions are not yet known.

Black plumes of smoke are coming from the ground as firefighters try to extinguish debris that ignited.

Newark Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Witte (WIH'-tee) says the three were walking over a sidewalk grate when smoke and flames rose up.

Witte says none of the injuries was life-threatening, but one of the injured sustained superficial burns around the face.

Public Service Electric & Gas spokeswoman Karen Johnson says about 250 customers in downtown Newark are without power. There's no word when electricity will be restored.