Transformer explodes, sparks fire at New Brunswick Post Office

NEW BRUNSWICK (WABC) -- Firefighters and city officials are on the scene of a fire at a post office in New Brunswick Monday.

The flames were reportedly sparked by an underground transformer that exploded just before 11 a.m. at the building on Bayard Street and Kirkpatrick Street.

Authorities say the post office was closed at the time, and that four employees inside were safely relocated.

No injuries were reported.

It is believed the transformer was located in the underground parking of the building next door.

"Flames shot up 10, 12 feet high," said Tom Norby, who works on the fifth floor of a building across the street. "Smoke and flames again."

Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, and the damage is minimal.

He says the frightening part was hearing the explosion, then seeing the lights flicker before being evacuated straight into a wall of smoke.

PSE&G sent crews to the scene that are investigating to determine the exact cause.

A few buildings in the area were temporarily evacuated as a precaution, including the Middlesex County office and courthouse, but all residents and employees were allowed to return by 1 p.m.

"The buildings affected were the post office and the public safety building, which houses the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the police," New Brunswick police Captain J.T. Miller said.

The post office is expected to be closed until Wednesday.