Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Midtown Manhole Explosion at East 39th Street
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 17, 2008
Modified Apr 17, 2008
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 Apr 17, 2008
Modified Apr 17, 2008
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
A manhole exploded near 113 East 39th Street around 4:25 a.m. Five buildings were evacuated, but no injuries were reported.
The FDNY found high carbon monoxide levels near the building, and residents may be out of their homes for many hours. It's unclear what caused the explosion, but they are not uncommon. Of course, this incident took place just blocks from where a steam pipe exploded last year, killing one woman, critically injuring two people, and injuring many more.
Check out the How Stuff Works explanation on exploding manholes. Slotted manhole covers are considered safer (they "allow the gas to be released less violently, and also give an early warning to possible explosions"); in DC, utility Pepco started replacing old manhole covers with slotted ones.
Tagged
carbon monoxide
East 39th Street
manhole explosion
midtown manhattan
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
Man shot by ICE in NYC still has bullet lodged in neck, attorneys say
Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park on Monday.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Oct 12, 2026 at 11:37 a.m. ET
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
News
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
NYC wants to move deliveries onto the waterways. It's starting with a 55-year-old boat.
By
Liam Quigley
Inside the luxury Greenpoint high-rise powered by a rumbling generator for over a month
By
David Brand
Mayor Mamdani orders review of NYPD use of force policies
By
Michael Sol Warren
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 .