Community Corner
Manhole Explosions In Boston Shut Down Longfellow, Storrow
State police said the underground fire has prompted the MBTA Red line to move to shuttle service in the MGH area, too.
BOSTON —The Longfellow Bridge inbound to Boston and Storrow Drive eastbound to Charles Circle are both reopened after firefighters were able to put out an underground fire that caused a number of manholes to explode near MGH, according to state police.
Boston Fire Department officials said they got a call around 3:15 p.m. reporting smoke coming from multiple manholes. When they arrived they found there were multiple explosions and that the ground near at least one manhole had buckled.
After consulting with Eversource, the department used an extinguishing agent to control the fire and then made a check of surrounding streets for any other smoke or fire, officials said.
Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The explosion and fire prompted the MBTA to evacuate the Charles/MGH stop and move to shuttle bus service, while crews work on the issue.
By 5:30 p.m. the roads were back open, state police said.
Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Red Line Update: Passengers who need service to Charles/MGH will be accommodated by a shuttle bus outside of Kendall/MIT. Trains will continue to bypass the station. https://t.co/eaQUJiqXIY
— MBTA (@MBTA) March 24, 2020
The manhole explosions are pretty noticeable, according to those nearby:
Ok there was a fourth boom and this one was REALLY loud. Starting to lose my cool here. Beacon Hill Manhole Explosions.
— Perla Fernández (@perlaafdez) March 24, 2020
One view of the aftermath near MGH:
#manhole explosion (it sounds like one of a few) at Charles/MGH in downtown #Boston. Peep also the people failing to social distance. pic.twitter.com/FU8DDnAAhp
— Alexander Charnov (@arrcharnov) March 24, 2020
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
