Worker Escapes Manhole Explosion After Electrical Fire in Taunton

TAUNTON — A road crew worker managed to escape from a manhole that exploded in Taunton on Tuesday, according to the Taunton Police and Fire departments.

Both departments responded to the area of Broadway and Church Street at around 11:20 a.m. Tuesday after a police officer on detail reported an explosion that blew off a manhole cover in the roadway.

According to a release, the explosion was caused by a road crew working in the area hitting an electrical line, resulting in an electrical fire in the manhole.

One worker was inside the manhole at the time, but escaped unharmed. No injuries were reported.

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There has been a recent spate of manhole explosions in Taunton and Brockton, with several incidents taking place since 2016.

The road from East Broadway Street to St. Mary's Square was temporarily closed, with one lane reopening while Taunton Municipal Light Plant conducted repairs.

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