Manhole 'Explosion' Injures Con Edison Worker

A possible explosion beneath a manhole cover hospitalized a Con Edison worker and startled others near the intersection of East 17th and Avenue H Friday morning.

A FDNY spokesman confirmed that a man in his 50s was taken to Kings County Hospital at about 11 a.m. suffering from injuries caused when a "manhole exploded."

A Con Edison spokesman said the worker had been beneath the manhole when the event occurred but his injuries were not believed to be serious and he was hospitalized for evaluation. His identity was not released.

Con Edison added that since the cause and nature of the event are still under investigation, and the fact the workers' injuries were not more serious, an actual explosion may not have occurred.

Explosion or not, those nearby were startled and concerned when the loud noise disrupted their morning routine.

"I heard the 'pop' and I said, 'Oh my God, what happened?'" said Sue Abbassi, owner of the nearby Fiske Terrace Deli.

"It sounded like a shot," she said.