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POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (WTEN) – A family had a close call with a manhole explosion in Poughkeepsie, New York, on Saturday, according to the city’s fire department.
At about 1:34 p.m., the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department responded to a report of a manhole explosion on Academy Street with people possibly injured. At least two other manholes also exploded down the block and on the corner of Academy Street and Church Street, the department said.
In a video provided by the Poughkeepsie Fire Department, three pedestrians — a grandmother with her two young grandchildren, who had just left an Easter egg hunt — appear to be walking down the sidewalk when a manhole explodes just feet behind them, sending the manhole cover, concrete and other debris in the air. Despite the narrow miss, no injuries were reported in any of the manhole explosions, according to the fire department.


During the investigation, officials reportedly found high levels of carbon monoxide in multiple buildings. The occupants of all the buildings on the block were evacuated until the gas levels were mitigated, the fire department said.
All units were clear by 3:48 p.m., according to authorities. The scene was turned over to the energy company, Central Hudson, and Academy Street remained closed for a number of hours.