Manhole Cover Blasts Alarm Pedestrians
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From Times Wire Reports
NEW YORK
Five manhole covers exploded in three separate incidents near the Empire State Building, triggering panic among pedestrians and sparking traffic tie-ups.
The first of the explosions occurred at 7:43 a.m. and the last at 9 a.m., police said.
Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, said the covers popped when utility wires became overheated, which caused excessive pressure.
Business at the Empire State continued as usual, said Howard Rubenstein, the building’s spokesman.
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