Transformer Explodes In South Norwalk, Power Knocked Out: UPDATE

NORWALK, CT — North Main Street in South Norwalk temporarily was closed to traffic on Tuesday morning following a transformer explosion, according to Norwalk police. The road has since been reopened.

The explosion occurred just before 10 a.m., and though no injuries were reported, a woman was nearby when the blast occurred, according to Norwalk fire officials. Below is the department's account of the incident:

The Norwalk Fire Department responded to an explosion and fire in a sidewalk electrical vault, this morning at 9:35 am. The vault located in front of 44 North Main Street had its door blown open with flames and heavy black smoke showing, when Firefighters arrived. Firefighters initially stood by with a hose line and checked the buildings near the vault for any smoke or fire extension, as South Norwalk Electric Works (SNEW) secured power at a substation. When it was confirmed the power was off, the fire was quickly extinguished. There no damage to the surrounding buildings, although some shops and offices shut down due to no electricity.

A woman who worked in the area, was discarding some trash in the container alongside the vault, when the explosion happened and fortunately was uninjured in the blast.

SNEW officials responded quickly to the scene to secure power and once the fire was out began work on restoring power to the area. The buildings in the immediate area that are supplied by the transformer and equipment in the vault, will be out for at least the day.