WRTV‘s helicopter was over the scene when a manhole exploded below, sending the cover flying into the air.
The Indianapolis ABC affiliate reports several manholes exploded this morning because of an underground fire. The fire caused power outages and traffic problems around the city, which will soon host the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.
According to IFD, a fire was initially reported just before 7 a.m. after a manhole cover popped off the street and a loud bang rang out near the intersection of North Street and Capitol Avenue.
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The station reports this is the second underground fire in a week, but Indianapolis Power & Light officials said the two “were unrelated.”
Officials said they can’t prevent every manhole explosion from happening, and thus they can’t guarantee that the Final Four in Indianapolis will be free of incidents.
However, IPL insisted its system is “very safe” and said they’re working with city officials to prepare for the Final Four, as they would for any large event.
Nearby buildings were evacuated as a safety precaution and crews blocked traffic on 10th Street at North and Capitol, and at Ohio and Meridian streets.