Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-2018

Transformer explodes at PECO substation in Tredyffrin Township

2022Published 5 Oct 2026

SignificantThermal / fireProvisionalNext update 6 OctNorth America

From the recordRoot cause Failed part See them: 14 days free

Companies named in this entry: PECO

What happened

A large transformer exploded at a PECO substation next to the Berwyn-Paoli Little League Field in Tredyffrin Township, shortly after 2 p.m. The fire produced a thick column of black smoke visible for miles. Chester County Emergency Services said 1,300 to 1,500 gallons of oil spilled. The Chester County Department of Emergency Service Haz-Mat Team and firefighters from Paoli, Berwyn and Malvern put the fire out. PECO crews worked through the night on cleanup and damage assessment.

Route 252 at Bear Hill Road and Heatherstone Drive was closed for several hours. Games at the nearby field were not delayed. An official report was still expected when this account was published.

Lessons learned

A substation transformer fire can release a large volume of insulating oil, so spill control and hazmat response should be planned with the site.
Road closures and smoke can affect nearby public uses even when those activities are not themselves stopped.
Early oil-volume figures should be treated as provisional until the official report is available.

Source

patch.com

Published 2026-10-05. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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