Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Rain Brings Manhole Explosions


By

Jen Chung

Published Mar 13, 2010

Modified Mar 13, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Chung

Published Mar 13, 2010

Modified Mar 13, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

The rain—and winds—is here and so are manhole explosions. WABC 7 reports that "after Con Ed received reports of two manholes smoking" on the Upper West Side, the "covers went flying and flames shot" up around 4:30 a.m.

The explosions, which were caused by transformer fires, occurred on West 94th Street, and three vehicles were damaged, including one that caught fire (it may have been parked over a manhole). Melting snow—or heavy rainfall—can cause the fires when it mixes with salt used to melt snow and ice. Last month, a huge fireball was seen in Chelsea when a manhole exploded.

Tagged

manhole

manhole explosion

transformer fire

Upper West Side


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks

A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.

By

Catalina Gonella

Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET


Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church

Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.

By

Giulia Heyward

News

Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church

Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.

By

Giulia Heyward


Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law

By

Gino Fanelli

NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting

By

Ryan Kost

,

Elizabeth Kim

and

Phil Corso

Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home

By

Ryan Kost


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .