Manhole Explosions Shut Down Route 9 In Brookline

BROOKLINE (CBS) – Route 9 in Brookline was shut down in both directions after multiple manhole explosions during rush hour Wednesday night. Firefighters responded to the area between Cypress and Brington Rd shortly after 6:00 p.m.

"Once the companies pulled on scene they noticed a power outage in the neighborhood," said Brookline Fire Deputy Chief Patrick Canney. "As they were on scene we had multiple manhole explosions."

Electrical and gas companies were called in to investigate. The underground blasts sent multiple manhole covers flying.

"It's made of heavy iron and it flew a significant amount of feet in the air," Canney said. "That was quite an explosion."

Josh Nissenbaum was working in a nearby sneaker shop. "It sounded like a cannon just went up and the manhole just flew up into the air, and we just ducked down and walked in the other direction," said Josh Nissenbaum. "Scary, super scary."

There are no reports of any injuries, but there were windows damaged on homes and businesses.

Deputy Chief Canney said it was "very lucky" nobody was injured. "People all over town heard this explosion," Canney said.

Utility crews were still working in the area late Wednesday night to try to determine the cause.

Some homes and businesses in the area were evacuated as a precaution. The road was reopened Wednesday night.