DETROIT – A pressure explosion inside a sewer has sent a manhole cover flying in downtown Detroit.
The incident occurred on Friday (Sept. 6) at 2 p.m. in Cadillac Square, and the Detroit Police Department says there is no threat to the public.
The area is closed off as the investigation begins. The Detroit Fire Department told Local 4 that a manhole exploded.
No one was down there, but a 58-year-old woman walking on the sidewalk was hurt.
“There was a civilian that was walking on the sidewalk at the time,” said Detroit Fire Department Deputy Chief Daniel Clapp. “They were not hit by the manhole, but was knocked back by the shockwaves of the explosion. She was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries, but we feel that they are not serious.”
Officials say the manhole cover didn’t hit them, but the force of the explosion knocked them down. The person was taken to a Metro Detroit hospital but is expected to be OK.
We do know it was a steam line that blew, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
But we’re told these things do happen from time to time and not to be alarmed.
The Detroit Fire Department said DTE informed them that natural gas caused the explosion.
“At DTE Gas, the safety of our customers and communities is our top priority. We are working with the Detroit Fire Department and other utilities to investigate the cause of an incident in downtown Detroit in which a cover raised from a manhole not belonging to DTE. Service remains on for DTE customers in the area while the investigation continues.”
DTE Manager, Coporate Communications Chris Lamphear