SNEW underground transformer explosion closes street in Norwalk

An underground transformer operated by SNEW exploded at about 9:35 a.m. on 21 January 2020 in Norwalk. The blast blew open the doors of a sidewalk electrical vault and sent thick black smoke into the air. It caused a major power outage in downtown Norwalk and closed the street for about two hours. No buildings were damaged and no injuries were reported. Firefighters and utility crews contained the fire once power was cut. Most customers were restored by switching, but some remained without power while the damaged transformer was replaced, with no restoration time given.

The source does not report a cause.

1. Sidewalk electrical vaults can fail with enough force to throw doors open and endanger people immediately beside them, so isolation and a rapid response matter.
2. Switching can restore most customers while a damaged transformer is replaced, but nearby customers may stay off until that work is done.
3. Downtown vault fires need a ready plan for street closure and clear public updates on who remains without power.

thehour.com/news/article/Underground-transformer-fire-closes-Norwalk...