Crown Heights Manhole Explosion Caused By Electrical Fire: Con Ed

CROWN HEIGHTS, NY — A manhole explosion in Crown Heights that damaged a woman's car and an apartment window was caused by an electrical equipment fire, according to a representative of Con Edison.

A loud explosion rang through Crown Heights about 10:45 a.m. Sunday when a manhole was launched almost 10 feet in the air near Empire Boulevard and Brooklyn Avenue, according to Con Edison spokesperson Alfonso Quiroz and ABC7.

All Con Ed equipment was repaired by Tuesday and locals could expect normal service as Con Ed continued its investigation, Quiroz said.

Though a thorough investigation will take weeks, Quiroz said the fire was likely started when faulty electric wires caused gas to build up underground, then ignited to create the "boom" heard around Crown Heights.

Sunday's explosion wreaked havoc around Empire Boulevard and Brooklyn Avenue, where 84 residents lost power until 5 p.m., Quiroz said.

Four buildings were evacuated on Empire Boulevard due to unsafe carbon monoxide levels.

When the manhole flew up, it damaged one woman's car, and as it hit the ground with a boom, it took out an apartments' front window, ABC7 reported.

For the damaged goods, Quiroz said residents should call Con Ed to file a claim.