Manhole Cover Blasts Alarm Pedestrians
From Times Wire Reports
NEW YORK
Five manhole covers exploded in three separate incidents near the Empire State Building, triggering panic among pedestrians and sparking traffic tie-ups.
The first of the explosions occurred at 7:43 a.m. and the last at 9 a.m., police said.
Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, said the covers popped when utility wires became overheated, which caused excessive pressure.
Business at the Empire State continued as usual, said Howard Rubenstein, the building’s spokesman.
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