Manhole fires knock out power to 3 Queens apartment buildings

Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Manhole fires knock out power to 3 Queens apartment buildings
Derick Waller reports from the scene in Flushing.

FLUSHING, Queens (WABC) -- Some residents in Queens were without heat or hot water early Tuesday after a series of manhole fires.

The three buildings now have the power restored in Flushing, but Con Ed had to use generators at one building until the repairs could be completed.

Authorities say 42-49 Colden Street, the initial building affected, is a 15-story building with 284 apartments. 42-55 and 42-60 Colden Street were also affected.

Manhole explosions woke up neighbors overnight, as a series of loud booms came from underneath the street. Fire could be seen shooting out of several of them.

It happened around 11 p.m. and knocked out heat and electricity to the three buildings, affecting hundreds of residents.

Neighbors living in one of the buildings had to be evacuated due to high carbon monoxide levels.

There were no reports of any injuries.

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