The incident happened just before 5 a.m. on Prospect Avenue near Berry Street, where residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions.
Officials said the transformer explosion snapped a utility pole, bringing live power lines down onto the roadway. The downed wires ignited several parked vehicles, prompting a response from the Hackensack Fire Department and PSE&G utility crews.
"Obviously we had multiple vehicles on fire. Call at 4:45 a.m. for utility pole down with wires down. It was quickly upgraded as fire began to extend to additional vehicles. Initial arriving companies secured the area due to the potential electrical hazard, so we couldnt put the fire out right away," said Captain Kurt Hemeczek, Hackensack Fire Department.
There were no injuries to fire department members or residents. Fire officials say that six vehicles were engulfed in fire, while a seventh vehicle sustained minor damage.
Residents were urged to avoid the area as crews worked to secure the scene and restore power.
"The main thing is just avoid the area for the cleanup and the investigation," Hemeczek said. "Power may be on for some buildings. Most of the buildings here are on generators. Otherwise PSEG will make the determination on what needs to be repaired. That will probably go on through the morning."
The cause of the transformer failure remains under investigation.
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