Multiple maintenance holes explode near Trump Tower as firefighters report elevated carbon monoxide levels
Several manhole explosions were reported in Manhattan, where plumes of smoke billowed into the air just one block away from Trump Tower.
The roar of fire engines rang through Midtown as authorities rushed to 5th Avenue and 55th Street on Thursday afternoon.
A New York City Fire Department spokesperson told DailyMail.com that they received a report of the explosions at 1.10pm.
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The New York City Fire Department confirmed that several maintenance holes exploded on Thursday afternoon in Midtown Manhattan
Smoke from the maintenance explosions coated the area and could be seen from the afternoon sky
A FDNY spokesperson did not confirm what caused the maintenance hole explosions, but firefighters extinguished an inferno in a maintenance tunnel
At least two maintenance hole covers were 'blown out,' but the spokesperson noted that it could have been 'several.'
They explained that each maintenance hole is connected to winding main maintenance tunnels, where fire and gas can affect more than one at a time.
The spokesperson could not confirm what sparked the explosions, but firefighters extinguished a maintenance fire tunnel.
Pictured: New Yorkers walk through Midtown as authorities respond to multiple maintenance hole explosions
Photos and videos shared to the Citizen app showed NYPD officers and firefighters at the scene as a smoke-induced fog overtook nearby streets.
One video showed a maintenance hole with a mass of smoke flowing up, while authorities reported flames edging out.
The FDNY spokesperson confirmed with DailyMail.com there were elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the area, prompting firefighters to test buildings between 5th and 6th avenues.
The FDNY spokesperson confirmed with DailyMail.com there were elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the area, but they are back to normal. Pictured: Witnesses and a firefighter at the scene
The explosions happened just down the street from Trump Tower, which did not suffer any damage or elevated carbon monoxide levels
No buildings suffered physical damage, there were no reported injuries and the scene was closed down at 4.03pm.
Three buildings in the immediate area had slightly elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Those buildings were being monitored before being declared clear.
But Trump Tower, less than one minute away on foot, was spared.
Authorities said carbon monoxide readings in the area have returned to normal.
No buildings suffered physical damage and there were no reported injuries. The scene was closed down at 4.03pm.