An underground explosion beneath in the Financial District this morning resulted in what the Fire Department calls a "PG&E Vault Incident" and what the casual layperson observer might describe as "oh my god that's a flying manhole cover." The incident took place before 8:30 a.m. and there were no injuries, as Hoodline reports.
A spokesperson for Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Andrea Menniti, explained the chain reaction that led to this "vault incident" to the Chronicle: A fire hydrant at Belden Place and Bush Street burst, pouring water into an underground electrical vault. Two hours later that caused an explosion that blew off the manhole cover.
Smoke was reported, but the fire department found no fire.
Happens all the time, folks.
Related: PG&E 'Equipment Failure' Causes SF Manhole Explosion, Underground Fire, And Power Outage
Timeline of S.F. Manhole Cover Explosions