Source: New York Post
The transformer explosion that crippled Brooklyn subway service for thousands of passengers in 2024 came after workers failed to complete more than half of required safety checks at an electrical substation, according to the MTA inspector general. The finding was part of a wider audit of New York City Transit’s substation maintenance program that found 19% of required maintenance assignments went unfinished systemwide in 2024, fire alarm “trouble” signals were routinely ignored, required safety protocols were not consistently followed and the agency didn’t have a centralized system for tracking equipment defects. The December 11, 2024, explosion sent flames through a sidewalk grate and stranded more than 4,000 riders between the Jay Street-MetroTech and Hoyt-Schermerhorn stations for about two hours before first responders were able to evacuate passengers.
