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WATCH – Hundreds flee Times Square after manhole fires panic busy city
Hundreds of people have been seen fleeing New York’s Times Square due to multiple manhole fires that caused a loud bang
Three manholes caught fire around 6:45 p.m. on W 43rd St between 7th and 8th avenues.
This area of the popular city is packed with tourists at most hours of the day, according to the NYFD.
There are no reports of injuries at this stage.
New York Fire Department told Fox that firefighters are in the process of searching surrounding properties for any elevated carbon monoxide levels.
Videos posted on social media showed people running around 48th street.
Manhole fires often occur when carbon monoxide or another gas is ignited by an electrical short circuit underground, sending an explosion through the path of least resistance, which is usually a manhole, according to Fire Engineering magazine.
Developing story, more to come.