Transformer explodes in Newberry

PPL crews respond to a transformer explosion in Newberry on Tuesday. PHIL HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

The transformer that exploded in Newberry. PHIL HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

Williamsport firefighters respond to a transformer explosion in Newberry on Tuesday. PHIL HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

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PPL crews respond to a transformer explosion in Newberry on Tuesday. PHIL HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

The transformer that exploded in Newberry. PHIL HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

Williamsport firefighters respond to a transformer explosion in Newberry on Tuesday. PHIL HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

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WILLIAMSPORT-Williamsport firefighters and PPL crews responded to the 3600 block of West Fourth Street about 4:45 p. m. Tuesday when a transformer exploded at a mini-substation behind JPW Industries.

The explosion sent flames into the air, but the fire quickly burned itself out, fire officials said.

Sparks from the burning transformer set fire to a small area of brush, that was doused by firefighters.

Some PPL customers experienced a brief outage. In Old Lycoming Township, some customers lost power for a few minutes.

There was a short outage also reported along the nearby Wahoo Drive.

A PPL spokeswoman said 5,050 customers lost power, some for three minutes and others for 15 minutes. Service was restored to everyone by 5 p.m., she said.