Indy firefighters report downtown manhole blasts

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis fire and utility officials are investigating explosions that blew off manhole covers, and damaged a downtown building and a fire engine.

The Indianapolis Fire Department said in a release Sunday that firefighters responded to a report of a gas odor across the street from their station about 6:30 a.m. Within two minutes, firefighters say a manhole cover blew off and flames erupted from the manhole.

Fire officials say a second manhole cover nearby blew a minute later, breaking a window and some bricks on the Athenaeum Building. Then a third cover blew, hitting the underside of fire engine and breaking a side light.

No injuries or evacuations were reported but area streets have been closed.

Citizens Energy Group says the blasts don't appear to be natural-gas related.