Video: Manhole Explodes Right After Woman With Stroller Walked Past

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A near disaster on a city street was avoided by sheer luck, by mere seconds, on Saturday.

At 1:34 p.m., the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department was called to Academy Street, between Church Street and Cannon Street, for reports of a manhole explosion with possible casualties. A manhole halfway down the block as well as another on the corner of Academy and Church Streets had exploded, very narrowly missing three pedestrians.

Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.

But, the crisis wasn't over.

Fire crews found high levels of carbon monoxide in nearby buildings and the occupants of all the buildings on the block were evacuated until the gas levels could be mitigated, and the scene could be cleared.

Security footage released by fire officials showed a woman walking with a small child, and pushing a stroller, cross over the manhole cover just moment before a powerful explosion blew the sidewalk to pieces.

Firefighters handed the scene over to Central Hudson Gas & Electric shortly before 4 p.m. The area remained off limits for several hours after.