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Underground fire, manhole explosion knocks out power in South Boston

Manhole explosion knocks out power in South Boston
Manhole explosion knocks out power in South Boston 01:54

BOSTON - An underground fire and explosion left a large hole in Dorchester Ave. in South Boston Wednesday night. The explosion knocked out power to approximately 200 customers in the neighborhood.

It happened about a block from the intersection of Dorchester Ave. and Boston Street at about 9 p.m. 

Neighbors said they called 911 when they first saw the manhole smoking. The explosion shook the neighborhood.

South Boston manhole explosion
A manhole explosion on Dorchester Ave in South Boston knocked out power to hundreds CBS Boston

"It sounded like a bomb went off," said Janice Connolly. "(Neighbors) said a huge burst of flames came out and exploded. So now there is a giant gaping hole in the street." 

No injuries have been reported. Eversource said it is not exactly sure when power will be restored in the area.  

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