Manhole Explosions Prompt Evacuations and Street Closures on Newbury Street in Boston

Manhole Explosions Reported on Newbury Street

A series of manhole explosions occurred on Newbury Street in Boston on Tuesday night, leading to street closures and building evacuations. According to the Boston Fire Department, an electrical issue caused six manholes to explode along the busy corridor.

The manholes involved line Newbury Street between Dartmouth Street and Exeter Street. In response to the incident, police closed cross streets between Boylston Street and Commonwealth Avenue while emergency crews and utility workers addressed the situation.

Evacuations and Emergency Response

Around 5:30 p.m., Maggie Zhang recorded video from her apartment showing a car parked over one of the manholes with smoke or steam rising from beneath it. First responders later evacuated Zhang and occupants from four other buildings that were connected to the impacted electrical line. Zhang reported hearing a mild explosion while leaving but did not see anything at that moment.

Another person in the area, identified as Will Mountzoures, was looking for a parking spot when he heard popping noises down the block. He stated that he noticed significant smoke and detected a smell similar to burning rubber, which prompted him to move his vehicle away from the area.

Utility Work and Investigation

The utility company Eversource deployed crews to Newbury Street to work on the affected electrical lines. The company also began an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the explosions, following the initial assessment that an electrical issue triggered the incident.

The Boston Fire Department noted that the manhole covers on Newbury Street had been recently replaced. The new covers are designed to catch themselves after releasing pressure, rather than being propelled into the air during an explosion.

Outcomes and Public Safety Measures

No injuries were reported as a result of the manhole explosions on Newbury Street. Residents and business occupants who had been evacuated were allowed to return to their homes and workplaces after approximately one hour.

The coordinated response by the Boston Fire Department, police, and Eversource resulted in the stabilization of the affected area, the reopening of buildings, and the continuation of the investigation into the electrical issue that caused the six manholes to explode.