Surveillance video captures shocking sidewalk explosion in Queens. (New York Daily News Exclusive)
State utility regulators are investigating a Con Ed transformer that blew up twice beneath a Queens sidewalk last week — including a horrifying blast that engulfed a pedestrian in flames. 3 Phase To Single Phase Transformer
Part of the investigation will be into whether Con Ed inspected the equipment as required by state law.
The transformer is beneath the sidewalk on Farmers Blvd. near 117th Road in St. Albans — and surveillance video shows smoke and flames pour out of the grate covering the equipment in incidents on July 21 and last Thursday.
Last Thursday’s explosion charred Barry West, 57, who was hospitalized after the blast knocked him off his feet and singed his clothing. (Obtained by Daily News)
The second blast last Thursday charred Barry West, 57, who was hospitalized after the explosion knocked him off his feet and singed his clothing.
The state Public Service Commission, which regulates electric, gas, water and communications providers, launched an investigation into he transformer immediately after the second blast, said spokesman James Denn.
Front page for July 28, 2021: "Boom! Out of nowhere" sidewalk explodes. Fireball erupts from sidewalk grate and engulfs Barry West (inset) last Thursday in Queens. The same grate exploded the day before. Con Ed had no explanation but said it would investigate. (New York Daily News)
“Part of that investigation will be an examination of the service records of that particular piece of equipment,” said Denn. “The purpose of the investigation of this serious incident will be to determine the cause of the explosion.”
The PSC requires Consolidated Edison to conduct stray voltage tests — which can identify unstable electrical equipment that could electrocute someone or explode — on underground transformers at least once a year, Denn said.
After the first blast, Con Ed workers went to the scene and worked there for several hours, said area businesspeople. But whatever they did didn’t save West from being injured when the transformer blew up again the next day.
Con Ed has said it is also investigating the incident.
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