Power flashes, manhole cover blows off after underground explosion downtown

St. Louis Public Radio

Published May 17, 2012 at 4:57 PM CDT

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A manhole cover was blown off its place, and into pieces, following a small explosion in St. Louis near Lucas Ave. and 17th St.

(via Twitter/courtesy @JosephHainline)

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Police and firefighters responding to the scene of the explosion.

(via Twitter/courtesy @JosephHainline)

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Ameren workers responding to the site following the explosion.

(via Twitter/ courtesy Joseph Hainline)

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Another view of the scene.

(via Twitter/courtesy @HeathBorders)

Will be updated.

A manhole cover was blown apart following a small underground explosion downtown St. Louis in an area near Lucas Ave. and 17th St. No one was hurt.

Heath Borders says he was working at his desk when he heard the explosion about 50 feet away from his office at 17th St. and Washington Ave.

“It sounded like a lightning bolt had struck one of the streetlights in between the two buildings on 17^th street," Borders said. "All the power flashed in the building. And, we have blinds down by the windows but you could see a flash outside and people who were sitting by un-blinded windows said they saw sparks.”

Joseph Hainline, who was also in the area, tweeted that there was a "huge boom" and that the manhole cover was "blown in half."

A spokesman for the St. Louis Fire Department says they believe an electric feeder line under the street was the source of the explosion. Ameren has responded to the scene and is investigating.