Underground explosions force evacuations in the North End

BOSTON -- Firefighters responded to a series of underground explosions that sent smoke into the streets.

Witnesses say that they saw shooting flames and bright flashes of red coming from three manholes on Hanover Street, near the Cross Street intersection Wednesday.

"There was a small explosion and a small percussion," Dwayne Dennison, witness, said.

Early reports were that two manholes had erupted into flames and were emitting thick black smoke.

"While they were down here, the third manhole lit up down here near Cross Street," Chief Edward Lorenz, Boston Fire Department, said.

According to NSTAR, only one cable malfunctioned, causing smoke to emit from the three manholes.

Hanover Street was down and evacuated as firefighters and NSTAR officials tried to repair the cable.

"There was smoke coming into my bedroom window because there was like a big black cloud of smoke coming up from the manhole," Elise Palmier, witness, said.

Officials say that everything appears to be under control and that power should be restored late Wednesday night.

Many residents are still unable to return to their homes.

Officials are investigating what caused the cable to malfunction.

In August of 2005, a heat wave sparked a series of manhole explosions that caused residents and businesses in the North End to evacuate.

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