Gas leak ruled out as the cause of manhole explosion in Dublin

A natural gas leak has been ruled as the cause of a manhole explosion in Dublin city center on Friday morning. No one was hurt in the explosion, which occurred at the corner of Merrion and Baggot Streets, near Government buildings.

John Morrin, who was working at nearby café Lolly and Cooks, said before the explosion the manhole cover emitted thick green smoke that was “toxic-smelling”. The café windows had to be closed because of the fumes. He said the smoke thickened and turned black before the manhole cover flew off.
Crews from the ESB, Bord Gais, Eircom and Dublin Fire Brigade worked all day to determine the cause of the blast. A section of road was closed to facilitate the investigation. A spokeswoman for Bord Gais Networks confirmed the incident was not gas related.

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She said: “Our crew is no longer present at the incident site. However, a fitter remains at the location assisting the ESB with their ongoing work.” Dublin Fire Brigade district officer David Kavanagh said the explosion was not believed to be heat related.