UPDATED: Multiple Manholes Explode In Crown Heights

by CrownHeights.info

Multiple explosions rocked southern Crown Heights Sunday morning after at least three manholes exploded, throwing their lids and bathing the area in smoke.

FDNY closed the intersection of Brooklyn and Empire as the explosions began, evacuating 491 Empire Blvd due to high levels of Carbon Monoxide caused by the explosions.

This story is developing and will be updated as information becomes available.

Update 2:03pm: Empire Kosher has been reopened to the public and will remain open until 8:00pm.

Update 1:13pm: The FDNY has now evacuated Empire Kosher as the electrical issues appear to be spreading along Empire Blvd.

Update 11:50am: Shomrim releases Update – As per the chief of FDNY on scene: All pedestrians should completely avoid the area of Empire Blvd and Brooklyn Ave. There have been multiple manhole explosions and CO levels are very high.

Update 11:40am: The FDNY has evacuated 491, 493, 495, and 497 Empire Blvd due to the manhole explosions. They are also investigating high CO readings on Montgomery St as well. No Injuries have been reported.

Update: Crown Heights Shomrim has published the following alert – The explosions that were just heard in the area of Empire Blvd and Brooklyn Avenue are due to multiple man holes exploding. The Fire Department is operating on scene to fix the situation.