[Updated!] Exploding manholes on Avenue A and Seventh Street

[Updated 12:24] Whoa. Appears that this is much more serious than firefighters on the scene led me to believe. Gothamist is reporting that two buildings had to be evacuated. Per Gothamist: "The Fire Department is responding to multiple manhole fires on East 7th Street between First Avenue and Avenue A. We hear that two buildings (with 18 civilians) were evacuated and Con Ed is also on the scene."

You can see one of the fires here via @benjaminbojko:



Earlier.

A little excitement here on Avenue A and Seventh Street in the last hour... depending on who you ask, the manhole (no snickering!) cover here either exploded into the air.... Or! A lot of steam starting pouring from it... In any event, a lot of firefighters and ConEd workers responded to the scene... It was all under control, and the officials on duty didn't think that it was any big deal...









...the situation also provided a little entertainment for Marlene....