MORRISTOWN — Authorities are investigating the cause a series of explosions below Washington Street Sunday afternoon that triggered an evacuation stretching from the Morristown Green to Court Street. No injuries were reported.
Police were called to Washington in front of The Famished Frog restaurant at about 2:45 p.m. after an explosion blew off a manhole cover and created cracks in the road, said Morristown Fire Capt. Robert Flanagan. Two additional explosions occurred after authorities arrived, he said.
"There was a huge boom and flames about four to five feet shot out of the manhole covers, lasting a few minutes," Flanagan said. "What happens is pressure builds up and it just pops. This is nothing new, it has happened before, the last time being about a month and a half ago."
Flanagan said the fires burned themselves out, but residual smoke crept into the basements of the Famished Frog and Sushi Lounge, which is located on Schuyler Place. The area was evacuated as a precaution, and the restaurants were ordered closed by the Morristown health officer, said Police Detective Lt. Steve Sarinelli.
The source of the explosions appear to be underground utility vaults, which encase wires for JCP&L, police and fire officials said.
Roberta Sheridan, a JCP&L spokeswoman, said crews are expected to be at the scene overnight to investigate the cause. No customers lost power as a result, she said.
Two cracks in the street about 4-feet by 4-feet wide remain on Washington Street, which is expected to remain closed throughout Monday morning. Sarinelli said authorities were hoping to have one lane open for rush hour traffic.
"I wouldn't recommend driving in that area if you don't have to," he said.
