Nesconset FD-Two workers burned in the A&S store at the Smithhaven Mall

February 20, 1986 Two maintenance workers were severely burned in A&S store when an arc flash occurred while they were working on a circuit breaker panel in the store. The incident happened at approximately 1010AM. The store re-opened just after 1330 hours, after it was confirmed that the damage was confined to the area where it happened. There was no ensuing fire. The workers, William Grant 40 of Wading River and Thomas Hart, 44 of Ronkonkoma, were troubleshooting a circuit breaker in a basement utility room at the time of the explosion. The men were transported via ambulance to to the burn unit at Stony Brook Hospital with 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Grant was listed in guarded condition, Hart was listed in fair condition. The two were trying to figure out why the escalator stopped working. The men were alone in the electrical room when the arc flash occurred. Both Centereach and Nesconset FDs respond to the scene. Al Anderson was Chief of Department and the OIC. Arson squad was called to the scene as well. A&S was where the outdoor lifestyle center is currently located. The store was large and took the entire area. Smithtown News 2/27/86.