BOSTON (WHDH) - Several manhole explosions on Charles Street shut the main entrance of Mass General Hospital Tuesday afternoon, leading to a brief shelter in place while emergency responders extinguished the flames.
Fire officials and utility crews responded to reports of smoke coming out of multiple manholes on Charles Street at 3:15 p.m. Several explosions were also heard at the scene and the hospital had a shelter in place for about an hour.
According to Boston EMS, traffic has not been diverted away from the hospital and the incident has not affected any ambulance services.
The MBTA temporarily stopped service at Charles/MGH as firefighters turned hoses on the manholes.
Shuttle buses replaced regular service until the scene was contained.
State police closed down the Longfellow Bridge and the eastbound side of Storrow Drive for during the rush hour commute. They have since reopened.
An Eversource spokesperson said an equipment failure caused the explosions. Crews were in the area inspecting nearby buildings to ensure there are no more fires well into the night.
No one was injured.
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