What to Know
- Two workers are in serious condition after a manhole fire erupted in Brooklyn Tuesday morning
- FDNY received a call about the fire located at 1905 Bayridge Parkway shortly before 10 a.m. in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn
- Investigators are trying to determine just what caused the gas rupture and fire.
Two workers are in serious condition after a manhole fire erupted in Brooklyn Tuesday morning.
The FDNY received a call about the fire located at 1905 Bayridge Parkway shortly before 10 a.m. in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn.
First responders say two construction workers were hurt -- the image still haunts Sal Graca who witnessed the harrowing ordeal.
“I see big fire coming from the hole like ten feet high and then I see two guys completely on fire," Graca said.
Behind the wheel of his truck, Graca saw the two men on fire then he saw people run out to try and extinguish the flames.
"They actually were trying to kill the fire by turning on the street,” Graca said.
News
Sources tell News 4 the workers were alert, breathing and rushed to Staten Island University Hospital - Regional Burn Center.
In a statement, National Grid initially confirmed that the two people injured were indeed workers and the utility turned off the gas main involved in the incident.
"National Grid responded along with FDNY to 1905 Bay Ridge Parkway where contract crews were working when the incident occurred. Two workers were injured, they have been transported for medical treatment. National Grid is in the process of isolating and turning off the section of the gas main involved," the statement read in part. "Safety is our top concern."
The fire was finally extinguished around 2:45 p.m., according to National Grid.
In a subsequent statement, National Grid said, in part: "Service to six properties with about 25 customers was interrupted as a precaution so emergency workers could work safely. Crews are making the necessary repairs to restore service to the customers tonight."
Chopper 4 was over the scene where intense flames could be seen roaring from the manhole earlier Tuesday. Aerial images also showed what appeared to be construction or maintenance work in the intersection where the manhole fire broke out.
The FDNY remained on scene for hours keeping a watchful eye as crews made repairs.
Investigators are trying to determine just what caused the gas rupture and fire.
