Transformer explosion shatters NY building windows

Consolidated Edison spokesman Christopher Olert said the transformer was in a vault below the front of the seven-story building. An investigation was under way into the cause.

Deputy Fire Chief James Daly said firefighters were initially called out for a report of smoke coming out of a manhole.

He said firefighters had been out all night to deal with manhole fires because of runoff from snow and salt coming into contact with electrical grids below ground.

Carol Paplin, who works for an office furniture dealership on the sixth floor of the building on Sixth Avenue in the Chelsea district, said she detected a sulfur odor as she approached the building at 10:30 a.m., but as she got to the entrance the smell faded and she went inside.

Firefighters arrived at 10:44 a.m. to respond to the report of smoke and evacuated a Radio Shack store, Daly said.

Building workers were told via the public address system that there was a fire on the sidewalk but not to be alarmed, Paplin said.