Manhole Blast Disrupts Square Electric Power

Gases in a manhole at the corner of Plympton and Mount Auburn Streets exploded yesterday at 12:05 p.m., disrupting electrical service in the Harvard Square area for several hours.

Within minutes police and engines from two firehouses arrived on the scene, and a large crowd gathered. Police, fearing further damage, cleared the area when electric sparks shot out of the hole. The fire itself quickly yielded to carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. Officials said the blast resulted from a short circuit which ignited gases in the manhole. Electric power was off for a two-hour period.