Transformer explosion injures two workers in Boston vault

What happened

An underground transformer explosion occurred in an electrical vault on Bowdoin Street near Cambridge Street in Boston while Eversource workers were performing routine maintenance. Two workers were injured but left the vault under their own power and were taken to hospital. The incident was first reported as a manhole explosion. Fire crews worked with Eversource to cut the power and put out an associated fire. Witnesses reported a loud boom, smoke, fire and a manhole cover on fire. Fire officials said they were investigating and that OSHA would investigate it as an industrial accident. Eversource said its own investigation was ongoing.

Lessons learned

1. Work in underground electrical vaults can injure workers even when they are able to leave under their own power, so rescue access and medical response need to be planned in advance.
2. Early public reports may describe a manhole event before officials identify a transformer, so warnings should be updated as the cause is confirmed.
3. Where the cause is still under investigation, the first account should not be treated as a finished explanation.

Source

nbcboston.com