407 inmates evacuated following ‘electrical explosion’ outside Mass. jail

A transformer exploded outside the Middleton House of Correction’s main housing unit, forcing the evacuation of 407 inmates

January 07, 2026 10:43 AM

By Mike Grimala
masslive.com

MIDDLETON, Mass. — An electrical explosion outside a Middleton jail prompted the evacuation of more than 400 incarcerated individuals on Tuesday.

A transformer exploded around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday outside the Middleton House of Correction, according to the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, which operates the jail.

The blast occurred outside the facility’s largest housing unit. The Middleton Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, but 407 inmates were evacuated to other buildings within the jail, officials said.

The evacuation was conducted “in an orderly manner” with no injuries reported, according to the sheriff’s office.

“We train for emergencies like this, and tonight the professionalism, skill, and judgment of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department employees were on full display,” Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger said in a statement. “They handled a difficult and complex situation efficiently and effectively.”

The cause of the explosion was not immediately released.

The housing unit remains offline. On Wednesday morning, the sheriff’s department announced public visitation to the Middleton facility has been canceled for the day.

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