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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-0704

Underground transformer fire blows manhole covers off in downtown Albany

Feb 2019Published 14 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantElectrical
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersMedium confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
Underground near Henry Johnson Boulevard and State Street, Albany, New York
Operator
National Grid
What
Underground transformer fire with two explosions
Cause
Electrical arcing in underground equipment
Outcome
Windows shattered, cars damaged, two-hour evacuations and outages

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): National Grid

What happened

An underground electrical transformer fire caused by electrical arcing led to two explosions in downtown Albany, New York, blowing manhole covers off near the intersection of Henry Johnson Boulevard and State Street. The blast concussion shattered windows in nearby buildings and damaged two parked cars. Residents of several buildings, including a 66-unit residential building, were evacuated for approximately two hours due to carbon monoxide and smoke concerns, and had to leave again after the building lost power.

National Grid, the utility operator, worked with city fire, police and water departments to manage road closures, canvass evacuated buildings, and inspect underground water infrastructure for damage. Repairs were expected to take up to 24 hours, with some customers facing extended outages while an electrical contractor installed temporary generators at affected homes.

Contributing factors

National Grid attributed the fire to electrical arcing in underground equipment.

Lessons learned

  1. Underground transformer arcing can cause explosions that eject manhole covers and damage nearby buildings and cars.
  2. Utilities must coordinate with fire, police and water departments when underground faults may affect other buried services.
  3. Operators need plans for temporary generators when underground repairs will last up to 24 hours.

Not yet known

  • Transformer model and age
  • Exact location of the arcing fault
  • Cost of repairs and damage

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

wamc.org

Other entries that name Albany

Published 2026-09-14. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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