Two manhole covers were damaged by a cable failure, said energy supplier Con Edison spokesman Karl-Erik Stromsta.
One cover was part of explosion, while second was found smoke, Stromsta said.
Just before 7 pm people in shopping and tourist center with high traffic area took off runs after reportedly hearing a loud bang or explosion, social media video show.
Firefighters searched the area for elevated levels of carbon monoxide, New York Fire Department said. Type of manhole covers – gas, water, sewer or subway – that are stuck fire not immediately known.
No outages or injuries to customers have been reported, Stromst said.
.
