A transformer exploded and burst into flames in a manhole on West 17th Street earlier this afternoon. The FDNY is currently characterizing this as an "all-hands fire," and about 60 firefighters are currently on the scene at 55 West 17th Street. The explosion blew out some windows in nearby buildings just before 2:30 p.m., and some buildings are being evacuated because of high carbon monoxide readings.
Just after 2:30, one person in the area tweeted, "Massive explosion heard on 17th and 6th Ave. Hearing a manhole cover exploded. Smells like gas & tons of fire/emergency vehicles responding." There are no injuries reported as of yet, but the situation is still developing. Con Edison has also sent crews to the scene. We'll update as more information becomes available.
