... I had just stepped off the street. Sounded like a bomb going off. FDNY has it roped off, and Con Ed will come and try to fit [the manhole cover] back into its frame. It didn't lift more than a few inches into the air, but it's still scary as hell!
The phenomenon typically happens after a major winter storm, as de-icing salt seeps into the ground, corroding subterranean wires and unleashing gas, which in some cases sparks fires and blows the several-hundred-pound manholes straight into the sky.
The phenomenon typically happens after a major winter storm, as de-icing salt seeps into the ground, corroding subterranean wires and unleashing gas, which in some cases sparks fires and blows the several-hundred-pound manholes straight into the sky.
Last night aprox 3 a.m. there was a HUGE series of explosions rocking the entire block. What sounded like extremely loud electrical crackling was booming as a sustained series of explosions that lasted 10-15 minutes as giant clouds of acrid smoke rose from a vent in the street near the bike lane directly in front of 87-89 First Ave.The bizarre crackling/buzzing/explosion sound had me thinking we were under attack again (9/11 flashback). Either that or some kind of "Cloverfield" situation... Multiple firehouses and emergency agencies arrived.
3 manholes were smoking, 2 blew from pressure & fire. No injuries to civilians -#FDNY Dep Chief Bob Carroll pic.twitter.com/PMbvJx6OrU
— FDNY (@FDNY) March 31, 2017
The blasts were likely caused by damage from salt laid down during winter snowstorms and washed into the underground system by Friday morning’s rainstorm.
No one was injured and a Con Ed spokesman said there was no disruption in service.
👋🏻We will be open for business today!👋🏻 Come see us at noon 👀
— Strand Book Store (@strandbookstore) April 1, 2017
The Strand "currently closed" but "safe" after multiple manhole blasts this morning https://t.co/k8LXqjgaFU pic.twitter.com/VN55fDFE4P
— PIX11 News (@PIX11News) March 31, 2017
Hi Strand fam, thanks for checking on us this morning. The Strand (& books) are safe!! We are currently closed, stay tuned for updates. ❤️
— Strand Book Store (@strandbookstore) March 31, 2017
The blasts shattered the windows of the Strand Bookstore, which had not yet opened for the day, and forced the evacuation of 826 Broadway next door after eleveated carbon monoxide levels were detected, officials said.
The second manhole exploded under an FDNY firetruck that had rolled up to respond to the first explosion, damaging the vehicle, officials said.
The blasts were likely caused by damage from salt laid down during winter snowstorms and washed into the underground system by Friday morning’s rainstorm.
Multiple manhole fires that led to evacuations and building damage Friday, likely were caused by salt used on roads during snowstorms.
Salt laid down during winter washed into the underground system, according to the New York City Fire Department. When snow melts and mixes with salt, it can spark fires and explosions.
Three buildings had broken windows: 60 East 12th St., 70 East 12th St., 77 East 12th St.
There was interior damage and high carbon monoxide readings in 826 Broadway, which led to evacuations. In the basement of 817 Broadway, there also were high carbon monoxide readings.
Fire in the (man) hole! @evgrieve pic.twitter.com/ezIP9xVpLH
— Ted Roden (@tedroden) April 9, 2016
