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Panicked New York tourists flee over loud blast in Times Square

April 11, 2022 | | Print Article

Of all places, it might be understandable that New York City may be a bit on edge when it comes to hearing a loud blast and that very scenario played out Sunday evening in Times Square, sending crowds of people fleeing in panic over the apparent explosion.

Turns out, it was a manhole blast, which often occurs when built up gas inside the manhole is somehow ignited, sometimes by exposed electrical wires.

Citing fire officials, the New York Post reported that the FDNY “responded to three manhole fires after the explosion echoed through Midtown around 6:45 p.m. at 215 West 43 Street between Times Square and 8th Avenue.”

But the initial blast sent New Yorkers and tourists alike running in a panicked stampede, as seen here:

There were no reported injuries and a FDNY spokesperson told Fox News that firefighters discovered elevated carbon monoxide levels near where the explosions happened and are in the process of venting the area.

Brad Ball, who was in Times Square at the time of the explosion and posted the video above, told Fox News, “There’s just a huge explosion. It didn’t sound extraordinarily close, but definitely was an explosion.”

Here’s other footage of the incident shared on Twitter — Caution: Adult Language

Tom Tillison
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