MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — Two people were injured, including one seriously, after an explosion in a parking garage in Midtown Manhattan sent a heavy vent cover flying into pedestrians, according to officials.
The FDNY says the explosion happened just after 9 p.m. at 160 E. 53rd St. between Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue.
Officials received reports of an explosion in a parking garage, due to a possible generator malfunction.
When units responded to the scene, they found two civilians injured across the street.
FDNY Deputy Chief Joseph Abbamonte said there was “some kind of back draft or back puff of a generator” which he says caused the heavy steel vent cover to become a projectile, propelling across 53rd Street and striking two pedestrians.
A witness told Eyewitness News it happened so suddenly, people didn’t have a chance to get out of the way.
Both of the victims were taken to the hospital. One woman is recovering from minor injuries, while the other victim is in serious but stable condition.
FDNY officials believe the explosion was accidental, saying that a back pull on the generator ignited the soot in the chimney or vent pipe, causing it to explode.
They said the emergency diesel generator is in the basement.
The situation was placed under control around 9:30 p.m.
Fire Marshals are investigating what caused this. They are also looking into whether the generator was being operated safely.
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