MALDEN, Mass. (AP) — Fire officials say an underground electrical fire caused multiple manhole explosions and sent manhole covers flying into the air in Malden.
Assistant Chief Bill Sullivan says four manhole covers went airborne between noon and 3 p.m. Sunday. Smoke and flames, some reaching 8 to 10 feet high, poured from manholes near Malden High School.
Capt. Glenn Cronin says no injuries were reported. Firefighters evacuated buildings and residences within a two-block radius around the explosions.
National Grid spokeswoman Mary-Leah Assad tells The Boston Globe about 88 customers were without power after the company shut off electricity to a transformer near the fire. Power is expected to be completely restored Monday morning.
Assad says investigators determined an underground equipment malfunction caused the blaze.
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