Apr 17, 2008 2:40 pm US/Eastern
Smoldering Cables Blamed For NYC Manhole Explosion
5 Buildings Evacuated Near Grand Central
NEW YORK (AP) ―
An early-morning manhole explosion, blamed on smoldering cables, caused some apartment evacuations and a small power outage near Grand Central Terminal, authorities said Thursday.
The incident occurred two blocks from 41st Street and Lexington, where a Consolidated Edison steampipe exploded last July, causing a woman to die from a heart attack and injuring 41 others.
About 33 residents from five small apartment buildings lost electricity and had to be evacuated after the 4:25 a.m. incident on Thursday. They were allowed to return to their homes at 9:45 a.m., and their power was restored at 12:45 p.m., said Con Edison spokesman Chris Olert.
The Fire Department and utility said the evacuations were necessary because of high levels of carbon monoxide caused by the manhole fire. There also was a simultaneous natural gas leak in the same underground area, possibly caused by the fire, said Olert.
He said the cause of the smoldering cables would be investigated.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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