Utility worker injured when transformer explodes during outage repair
EIR-0825Provisional entry. Confirmed: a utility worker was injured when a distribution transformer exploded during outage restoration work in East Islip, New York, and was hospitalised in stable condition. Not yet known: the cause of the failure, the extent of his injuries, or whether any regulatory investigation followed. Next update: 17 September 2026.
A PSEG utility worker was injured when a transformer exploded while he was responding to a power outage on Wyandanch Avenue in East Islip, New York. The worker was dispatched at about 6:30pm to address the outage and was working near the transformer, with a bucket truck reported to have been raised near the lines, when the transformer failed. He was reported to have been burned and was taken to a local hospital. A utility spokesperson said he was in stable condition and receiving care, and his injuries were reported as not life threatening. The cause of the transformer failure was not reported.
The transformer failed while a lineworker was in close proximity during outage restoration work. No root cause was reported in the available coverage.
- Distribution transformers can fail suddenly during outage restoration, so work positioning and personal protective equipment should account for explosive failure risk.
- Task planning should consider minimum approach distances and bucket positioning relative to energised equipment.
- Rapid medical response arrangements should be in place for field crews working on or near live distribution equipment.
Published 2026-09-15. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.