National Grid Identifies Cause Of Medford Square Manhole Explosions

MEDFORD, MA — National Grid says a fault in one of its underground electrical cables caused the manhole explosions that shut down Medford Square last weekend, while Medford officials say they will continue pressing the utility for answers and reimbursement.

Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn shared the update after meeting with National Grid officials alongside Police Chief Jack Buckley, Fire Chief Eric Evans and Communications Director Stephanie Muccini Burke. According to Lungo-Koehn, city officials have been seeking a detailed explanation of what caused the June 27 incident, how similar incidents can be prevented in the future, how affected businesses can pursue insurance claims and whether National Grid will reimburse Medford for the city's emergency response.

According to National Grid, a secondary underground cable on High Street experienced a fault, causing three manhole covers to explode. The cable has since been de-energized, and the utility told city officials that additional incidents of this kind are "extremely unlikely."

"We have been consistently urging National Grid to provide a detailed response with regards to what happened in the square, why the cable failed, how to prevent this from happening again, how to assist businesses with insurance claims and the process for reimbursing the City for its emergency response," Lungo-Koehn said in a statement.

Lungo-Koehn said the city is also urging National Grid to continue its underground cable replacement and energy release prevention project as quickly as possible.

Business owners in Medford Square who experienced losses related to the incident are encouraged to submit claims directly to National Grid.

The incident occurred early in the evening on Saturday, June 27, when multiple manhole fires erupted in and around Medford Square, prompting police and firefighters to evacuate several businesses, shut off power and close portions of the downtown area while National Grid crews responded. The affected area stretched from Forest Street to Lawrence Road and from Riverside Avenue to River Street before most roadways reopened later that night. A portion of High Street remained closed through the following day while repairs were completed. No injuries were reported.

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