Dublin manhole cover explodes missing commuters 'by inches' (video)

Shoppers in Dublin city centre were left shocked after a manhole cover exploded in front of them.

The incident occurred during rush hour on Friday morning at the Baggot Street/Merrion Road junction.

According to the Metro, nearby cafe, Lolly and Cooks, had to close its windows earlier in the day as thick green smoke was spewing out of the hole.

John Morrin, who was working at Lolly and Cooks at the time of the explosion, said the green smoke had been "toxic-smelling", and had turned thick and black before the cover flew off.

Crews from the ESB, Bord Gais, Eircom and Dublin Fire Brigade worked all day to determine the cause of the blast.

It was originally thought the incident could have been caused by a gas leak, but a spokeswoman for Bord Gais Networks confirmed the incident was not gas-related.

She told the Irish Times: "Our crew is no longer present at the incident site. However, a fitter remains at the location assisting the ESB with their ongoing work."

According to the Irish Independent, witnesses took to social media to report on the incident.

Eyewitness Eoin Ó Súilleabháin tweeted: "Manhole just exploded off Baggot St! No one hurt as far as I can see....lid flew up a few feet!"

The cover reportedly missed passing commuters "by inches", the paper added.

Related articles

Islington pavement explosion shocks commuters

'Hero' passenger lands plane at Dublin Airport after pilot falls ill

Video: Lorry flies across highway and explodes