Downtown manhole covers blown off last night

Boom goes the cover.

July 3, 2014; 8:42 AM • by Richard Hayes

Just when you think it’s safe to drive down 5th and Broad, boom a manhole cover goes flying into the air. That was the scene around 10:30 last night when at least six manhole cover were dislodged due to underground explosions.

More details from RTD.

No injuries were reported in the aftermath of the episodes, which were reported to have occurred about 10:30 p.m., a fire spokesman said.
“One was broken in half,” the spokesman said. “We understand it is a wiring issue inside the street on a very large scale.”

Dominion Virginia Power crews were called to the scene, the fire official said.

Firefighters determined that approximately six covers became dislodged on Broad Street in front of the Richmond Marriott and on 5th Street, also in front of the hotel. The area was shut down temporarily.