Several Manholes Explode Overnight In Brockton

BROCKTON (CBS) – Several manholes exploded early Monday morning in Brockton.

It happened in the area of 262 Main Street around 12:30 a.m.

The force was so powerful it blew out a window at Stephanie's Cleaners. The owner was inside and had no idea what was happening at the time.

"Like a bomb, just like a bomb. You don't know what to do in the moment," Oscar Rios said.

Fire officials said a total of six manholes erupted. Responding crews quickly realized they needed back up.

"Fire blowing out of the manhole and a couple manholes dislodged. One got blown a telephone pole away and they called for extra help," Deputy Fire Chief Brian Nardelli told reporters.

No one was hurt, but the fire department issued a warning on Twitter for people to avoid the area.

Several buildings, including a pair of restaurants, were evacuated briefly as a precaution.

"There was a light haze and some carbon monoxide noted, able to ventilate, not a problem," Deputy Chief Nardelli added.

National Grid was called in for repairs and to help find the source of the explosions.

Back in July, an underground fire caused three manhole explosions on this same street.

A car parked over one of those manholes caught fire.

In that case, several residents were evacuated and more than a thousand customers lost power.

The deputy fire chief says the explosions early Monday morning were less destructive because of the timing.

"The difference between that one and this one is we had a downtown full of people then versus last night at midnight," Nardelli said.

Oscar Rios is still a bit shaken, but glad no one got hurt.

"It was very scary."

In:
• Brockton