U.S.

Electrical problem sends manhole covers flying in Detroit

/ CBS/AP

DETROIT -- Officials say an underground electrical problem sent three manhole covers into the air in downtown Detroit, prompting the evacuation of an office building.

The Detroit Fire Department responded Tuesday morning. No injuries are reported.

Fire Chief John King tells The Detroit News that an electrical fire was to blame. CBS Radio station WWJ-AM reports he says that smoke in the building's basement led to the evacuation, but there was no fire in the building. The public is being asked to stay away from the area.

King said the whole situation unfolded after three manhole covers apparently "blew up."

"We believe we have some underground wiring that has affected the scene. This building right here has been evacuated because of the amount of smoke that was accumulating in the basement, but there is no fire in this building nor has it affected the electrical in this building. But it's being evacuated and it will be shut down the rest of the day," King said.

First published on February 3, 2015 / 9:38 AM EST

© 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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