Mystery explosion rocks New York Times Square

A mysterious explosion at Times Square has sent people running through the busy streets of New York City fearing a bomb.

A loud bang was heard in Times Square on Sunday evening, sending hundreds of people scrambling through the NYC landmark, fearing a possible bomb.

The area around 43rd and Broadway was closed off by the NYPD as they investigated the situation, The Sunreports.

It is believed to have been a manhole explosion but there is no confirmation as of yet.

Video shared on social media shows dozens of people running through the busy streets, many asking what the loud noise was as they traverse past cars.

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Manhole explosion causes mass panic in New York's Times Square; no reports of injuries pic.twitter.com/nxwSrpAfBy

— BNO News (@BNONews) April 10, 2022

Others stated they heard the loud explosion, but had no idea what it was.

There were no injuries reported, according to the FDNY, adding that “fire operations on scene for three manholes on fire.

“Firefighters in process of searching surrounding properties for any elevated carbon monoxide levels. Utility companies en route.”

Times Square is currently closed off around 43rd and Broadway. Possibly bc of a manhole explosion but waiting for confirmation @CBSNewYorkpic.twitter.com/RoKRQuCtyu

— Lisa Rozner (@LisaRoznerTV) April 10, 2022

According to ABC7 New York, officials confirmed the fires started just before 7pm and firefighters searched surrounding properties, and found elevated carbon monoxide levels at an 18-story office building.

The fires were caused due to cable failure, according to energy company Con Edison.

“One manhole exploded in the Times Square area this evening due to cable failure, and a second manhole was smoking,” a statement said.

“At this time, there have been no customer outages, and no reports of injuries or property damage. Our crews remain on location.”

One witness told CBS New York an explosion happened right in front of them.

“Once I seen the fire, the cops are telling me to back up. I slowly start backing up, but still I started, like, then again, I started proceeding, like, to the fire and then it actually exploded right in front of me and that’s when I was just, like, I started running,” witness Lavier Pounds said.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.