Small Explosion Reported In Stamford, Utility Worker Injured: Police

Update, 12:22 p.m.

STAMFORD, CT — A small explosion involving manhole covers occurred in the downtown Stamford area late Thursday morning, injuring a utility worker who was nearby, according to the Stamford Police Department.

Police had announced earlier that firefighters were investigating a gas leak in the area of Washington Boulevard and Main Street, and that Eversource was at the scene.

"There was a slight explosion, and manhole covers popped," Assistant Stamford Police Chief Richard Conklin told Patch. The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. "One party apparently working in or near a manhole cover had some extent of injury, which doesn't sound too severe at this point."

Police are diverting traffic primarily in the area, Conklin said, noting that CONN-OSHA has been notified.

Washington Boulevard is open northbound, but southbound in the area of Main Street remains closed as Eversource crews continue to assess the scene, police said in a post on the social media platform X

The public is being asked to continue to avoid the area if possible.

Officials are checking for the source of the gas leak and small explosion, Conklin said.

Original post, 11:05 a.m.

The Stamford Fire Department is investigating a gas leak in the area of Washington Boulevard and Main Street, according to police.

Eversource is on scene, and police are asking the public to avoid the area if possible.

Police posted about the gas leak shortly before 11 a.m.