Transformer explodes, sets multiple cars ablaze in Hackensack, New Jersey
HACKENSACK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A blown transformer sparked multiple car fires and left more than 1,000 customers without power in Hackensack, New Jersey early Wednesday morning.
The incident happened just before 5 a.m. on Prospect Avenue near Berry Street, where residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions.
"I thought it was the garbage truck initially in the mornings and that's what I thought it was, and next thing I know you hear a big explosion and I look out my window and I just see the transformer explode. And then it caught the trees on fire and then it started a domino effect with the cars and they just all blew up in flames," said Jacqueline Daniels, a resident. "It looked like a war zone kind of like a bomb hit and then everything exploded."
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.
"I looked outside and saw the pole on the ground and the first vehicle was already engulfed in flames and i just stood on my patio and watched every car catch on flames," said Tracie Rhodes, a neighbor. "I heard every hubcap blow off and every window explode and it was horrible and it was very frightening."
"I was going to work and I saw it. My car was on fire like all the other cars and thats all I saw," said Ashley Daniels, vehicle owner. "I did call the insurance. They actually asked me if it would be driveable which is laughable."
"The pole is right there. This could have happened directly at our house, so this is unbelievable," said Rosmery Cortes, a neighbor.
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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