Authorities were trying to determine the cause of the 7 p.m. blast, which shook business owners, customers and church goers tonight in the area of Prospect and Dayton Streets.
Police and firefighters responded after receiving several calls and found the blown manhole cover in front of 11 Prospect Street.
Firefightes checked the basements of several nearby buildings and found a light smoke condition at 54 East Ridgewood Avenue. They ventilated the basement, as per procedure.
No injuries or damage were reported, even though an unoccupied Ford Escape was parked within a foot of the manhole.
A PSE&G crew was on the scene before 8 p.m.
East Ridgewood Avenue was closed between Oak and South Broad Streets, and Prospect Street was closed between East Ridgewood Avenue and Dayton Street while they worked.
STORY / PHOTOS: Boyd A. Loving
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