Crime & Safety
Explosion In Financial District Thought To Be Manhole, NYPD Says
A loud noise heard in the Financial District on Thursday is believed to be a manhole cover explosion.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT, NY — Police believe that reports of a loud noise and possible explosion in the Financial District on Thursday afternoon are due to an exploding manhole cover.
"It looks like it might be a manhole cover explosion," an NYPD spokesman told Patch on Thursday afternoon.
Dozens of people on social media reported hearing a loud noise akin to an explosion near Nassau Street and Maiden Lane on Thursday just after 4:15 p.m.
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The NYPD's counterterrorism unit also posted on Twitter that the noise appeared to be from a "manhole explosion," and that there were no immediate reports of serious injuries.
There have been multiple reports of a manhole explosion in the vicinity of Broadway & Nassau St in Lower Manhattan. No serious injuries reported at this time. Expect additional emergency personnel in the area. @NYPDnews @NYPD1Pct pic.twitter.com/VEWTC6g30q
— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) March 22, 2018
There was a minor manhole explosion in front of 53 Nassau Street (at Maiden Lane) - vehicular traffic shut down in the vicinity in regards. No serious injuries. Will update.
— NYPD 1st Precinct (@NYPD1Pct) March 22, 2018
Police said that a second, small explosion occurred on the same block.
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There was a 2nd manhole explosion on the same block. @NYPDSpecialops @FDNY on scene. @ConEdison is responding. Vehicular closures still in place. Will update.
— NYPD 1st Precinct (@NYPD1Pct) March 22, 2018
Authorities initially said the explosion was reported near 140 Broadway, across from Zuccotti Park, but police now say the manhole explosion occurred about a block away, at 53 Nassau St.
A spokeswoman for the New York attorney general's office said on Twitter that occupants of their nearby building at 120 Broadway were told the noise was because "a manhole cover on Nassau Street blew."
Announcement in our building (120 Bway): a manhole cover on Nassau Street blew, hence the loud boom in the Financial District a few minutes ago. cc @ShaneGoldmacher
— Amy Spitalnick (@amyspitalnick) March 22, 2018
This is a developing story. This post will be updated.
Image credit: Patch
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