Manhole explodes on Remsen Street, causing fire

November 29, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — A MANHOLE EXPLOSION shook Remsen Street on Thursday afternoon, reports News 12, igniting a fire that spread from the manhole to a vehicle and the fourth floor of a building at the intersection of Remsen and Henry streets. Early reports said that the building caught fire after material was flung up to the fourth floor by the force of the explosion, although this was not confirmed by the FDNY. High levels of carbon monoxide were detected in two other buildings, forcing residents out into the street during Thanksgiving; power was also cut to the three affected properties.

Although celebrations were disrupted for some of the impacted – “We were just cooking our turkey and now not going to have turkey. No power,” resident Leo Merkel told CBS News – firefighters were able to salvage the holiday for one family, carrying a dinner for 14 from the carbon monoxide-filled home of the Deutsch family out to the sidewalk.

“We were able to go in, save their Thanksgiving dinner, pack it up… especially on a holiday like to be able to go that extra mile just help these people out, you know, beneficial for everyone,” FDNY Deputy Chief Stephen P. Corcoran said at the scene. “We have our sweet potatoes, we have our turkey, and instead of serving our turkey here, we’re going to bring it over to my son,” Diana Deutsch said.

The FDNY was alerted of the fire around 12:05 p.m., and by 6:30 p.m., carbon monoxide levels returned to normal. Con Ed cited “mechanical problems” as the source of the explosion. There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.

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