NEEDHAM, MASS. (WHDH) - A series of manhole cover explosions temporarily shut down a ramp on Route 128 north and south in Needham at the height of the afternoon commute Tuesday and caused hundreds of power outages, state police said.
The ramps to Highland Avenue were shut down about 3:45 p.m. after witnesses say flames could be seen shooting nearly 10 feet in the air from a manhole on three separate occasions.
State police say the “dangerous” situation was likely caused by the extreme heat that is gripping the Bay State.
Utility crews worked for hours before power was restored to nearby homes and businesses. The ramps were reopened just before 5 p.m. and Highland Avenue is back to being fully operational.
No injuries were reported.
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