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Six Manhole Explosions Prompt Evacuations, Street Closures in Boston’s Back Bay

Utility crews are isolating power during an investigation into an apparent electrical issue.

Overview

  • Officials confirmed six manhole fires and explosions centered on Newbury Street near Dartmouth Street shortly after 5:20 p.m.
  • Four nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution and sidewalks were cleared from Dartmouth Street to Gloucester Street.
  • Newbury Street was closed between Exeter and Clarendon, with Dartmouth and Exeter closed from Boylston to Commonwealth Avenue.
  • No injuries were reported, and fire crews used gas and carbon-monoxide meters to rule out additional hazards after alarms were triggered by smoke.
  • Eversource crews are troubleshooting and shutting down secondary lines to limit outages, and explosion-safe covers kept manhole lids from becoming projectiles.