The Brief A blown transformer caused an explosion that lit several cars on fire in Hackensack, New Jersey. Officials said it happened at around 5 a.m. Wednesday on Prospect Avenue, near Berry Street. The transformer reportedly exploded and snapped a utility pole, causing live power lines to fall onto the roadway. A blown transformer caused a fire that burned several cars in Hackensack, New Jersey. The transformer reportedly exploded and snapped a utility pole, causing the live power lines to fall onto the roadway.