Multiple Eversource Workers Injured in New Bedford Explosion While Securing Transformer Near East Rodney French Boulevard
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS (November 16, 2025) – Four Eversource workers were injured in a New Bedford worksite explosion in the area of East Rodney French Boulevard.
At around 8:30 AM on Friday, New Bedford officials reported that Eversource workers were securing power to a transformer and working on an adjacent property when the accident occurred.
Subsequently, an explosion, for reasons yet to be determined, injured the workers. To help all of the victims, paramedics were then called to the scene of the accident.
Two Eversource workers were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, and two others were transported to Rhode Island Hospital.
The explosion caused a power outage that affected over 1000 customers in the area. A full investigation by Eversource and OSHA remains ongoing.
Liability for New Bedford Worksite Explosions
Employers in Massachusetts have a legal obligation to protect workers from electrical hazards and other dangers. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1), “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” There are several measures that employers should take to protect workers from electrical explosions.
- De-energize: Transformers and other key electrical equipment should be de-energized before any type of maintenance is performed.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Employers should provide their workers with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Qualified Persons: Employers should ensure that only qualified persons are allowed to work on high-voltage equipment.
- Secure Work Areas: Any work area with live electrical hazards should be thoroughly secured. All nonessential personnel should be kept away.
When workers are injured in the state of Massachusetts, they will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help workers recover. In addition to workers’ compensation, an injured worker may also be able to pursue damages through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if a separate entity contributed to an accident. For example, a general contractor may have failed to maintain a site in a reasonably safe condition.
Steps to Take After Being Injured at Work
Electrocutions remain a leading cause of preventable injury and death in the workplace. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, “A total of 70,692 occupational fatalities occurred from all causes. 1,940 of these were due to contact with electricity. 98.9% of the electrical fatalities in this period were men.” It is important certain steps are taken after any workplace injury.
- Medical Support: Workers should receive a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. This can help address any injuries that they have and also create an official record of the accident.
- OSHA: The accident should be reported to OSHA as soon as possible. They can begin an investigation into the circumstances that may have contributed to the accident.
- Legal Support: Any person injured on the job should seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorneys can help identify any liable parties and pursue damages on your behalf.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any accident. Victims are often left with serious injuries that impact their ability to work. In particular, electrical injuries can do major damage to a person’s nervous system and brain. Workers should carefully consider all of their legal options with an experienced attorney. An attorney can take steps to ensure your rights are being protected.
Investigating New Bedford Worksite Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the four Eversource workers injured in this accident. Anyone with more information should contact OSHA. We sincerely hope steps are taken to prevent similar incidents. Key questions remain: Was the equipment properly de-energized, and did the workers have the necessary protective equipment?
If you were affected by the New Bedford electrocution accident or need legal guidance, please contact our personal injury team. We are dedicated to ensuring accident victims understand their rights and that OSHA regulations are upheld. Reach us anytime at (617) 870-0907 for assistance or to discuss your concerns.