Bang panics New York tourists in Times Square

A loud bang caused panic in New York’s Time Square on Sunday evening. Videos on social media showed people running away. Rescuers arrived a short time later.

After an obvious deflagration, there was a brief panic in the middle of New York. According to eyewitness reports, there was a loud bang in Times Square on Sunday evening (local time). Passers-by ran away, and fire engines quickly reached the site. According to the first reports, there was a fire in the canal system.

Webcam images show the emergency vehicles approaching, but no sign of fire or smoke at the popular spot for tourists from around the world. As the US news channel Fox News reports, no one was injured. The cause of the fire and the bang is being determined. A CBS reporter, citing the fire department, reported that fires had been discovered in three shafts in the area and that gas measurements were now being carried out in surrounding buildings.

Manhole fires often occur when carbon monoxide or another gas is ignited by an electrical short underground, sending an explosion down the path of least resistance – most commonly sewer manholes. In New York, these have become more common in recent years.

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