Raccoon Caused Transformer Explosion in Hartford: Mayor

A transformer explosion caused by a raccoon caused power outages in downtown Hartford Wednesday night.

Police said they’ve received reports of a transformer explosion on Sheldon Street. It plunged areas of downtown into darkness and sent public works crews scrambling to put up temporary signage at intersections where the traffic lights were out.

Eversource reported 704 customers without power in the area immediately after the incident.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin tweeted that the outages were caused when a raccoon came across the transformer. The animal did not survive.

Power has been restored at this time. 

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