A man was flung into the air by the force of a weather-related manhole explosion in Brooklyn Monday, according to Consolidated Edison and fire officials. A second person was also injured.
The man, who had been walking on the street at the time of the explosion on Prospect Park West between Fourth and Fifth streets shortly before noon, apparently was hit in the head by the flying manhole as he was flung into the air, utility and city fire officials said. He was taken to a hospital.
It wasn't clear if the second injured person also went to a hospital. The conditions of the victims weren't immediately available.
Con Edison said that ice-melting road salt seeped under the manhole cover causing the blast. It shattered windows and could be heard and felt from as far as 10 blocks away, according to witnesses.
Utility workers were assessing the damage at the scene. No widespread power outages were reported.
