Exploding Transformer Plunges Main Street In the Dark

The explosion of a transformer and downed power lines on Main Street in last night in a 4th of July type electrical display caused power outages to the area that utility companies scrambled to repair.

"We've got some problems in Woodbridge," said one of the PSE&G repair crew as they rushed to fix the transformer that turned into an electrical event at approximately 9:40 pm on Main Street, near the building.

"I was in Sewaren and saw the glow of grounded voltage from at least the water front. for a while," said Paul Karmazin, who took pictures and some video of the event.  "The hum of the grounding could be compared to that of the sound emitted by a large generator."

About 800 customers in the Main Street, Woodbridge and Fords areas of the township were affected by power outages, PSE&G spokeswoman Beth Gill said.

One of the PSE&G workers said that the transformer most likely blew because of its age.

Gill said the cause of the exploding power transformer was "probably weather related." Power was restored by 10:40 pm, she added.