HACKENSACK, NJ — Loud explosions startled residents in Hackensack early Wednesday morning after a transformer failure caused a utility pole to snap, sending live power lines crashing onto the roadway. The downed electrical wires then ignited several parked vehicles, while more than 1,000 customers were left without electricity.
The incident occurred shortly before 5 a.m. on Prospect Avenue near Berry Street. According to authorities, the transformer explosion broke the utility pole, causing energized power lines to fall onto the street, where they sparked fires involving parked vehicles.
Hackensack Fire Department Captain Kurt Hemeczek said the first emergency call came in around 4:45 a.m. reporting a downed utility pole and live electrical wires. The response was quickly upgraded as firefighters discovered that the fire had spread to multiple vehicles.
Upon arrival, firefighters were unable to immediately begin extinguishing the flames because of the serious risk posed by the live power lines. Crews first secured the area and waited for PSE&G workers to disconnect the electricity and confirm that it was safe to approach the burning vehicles.
According to ABC7 New York, six vehicles were destroyed by the fire, while a seventh sustained minor damage. Earlier reports referred only to “multiple vehicles,” but Hackensack fire officials later confirmed the updated number.
No injuries were reported among residents or emergency responders. A section of Prospect Avenue remained closed as firefighters, police officers, and utility crews worked to secure the scene, remove damaged equipment, and restore electrical service.
Residents were advised to avoid the area while cleanup and repair operations continued. Some nearby buildings temporarily relied on backup generators as PSE&G assessed the damage and worked to restore power.
The exact cause of the transformer failure and explosion remains under investigation.
Source: ABC7 New York / Hackensack Fire Department. X