Prompt Cast
Exploding Manhole Covers in New York City: Causes and Dangers
TLDR Exploding manhole covers in New York City are caused by corroded and frayed wiring that comes into contact with conductive salt water, resulting in electrical arcs and gas explosions. Lack of transparency and accurate data on the issue pose a significant danger to residents, with thousands of incidents reported annually and even resulting in fatalities.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Exploding manhole covers, which can weigh up to 300 pounds, have been known to go as high as 100 feet in the air and pose a significant danger in cities like New York.
02:11
The FDNY is not required to report the number of incidents of exploding manholes, so there is a lack of transparency and accurate data on the issue.
04:37
Exploding manhole covers in New York are caused by old wiring that corrodes due to salt water and is also damaged by rats.
06:46
Salt water corrodes and frays the wiring in manholes, and when the frayed wires come into contact with the conductive salt water, it causes an electrical arc that can ignite gases and lead to explosions.
09:04
Exploding manholes occur when gas buildup in the manhole causes the pressure of the compressed gas to be suddenly released, resulting in a violent explosion.
11:37
In 2016, there were 1,908 manhole incidents in New York City, and in 2015, there were almost 3,800 incidents, with February alone having 600 incidents in one week.
13:52
In 2016, a high school art teacher in Boston was killed when a manhole cover exploded and went through her windshield while she was driving.
Categories:
Society & Culture
