At 7:52 a.m., Madison Fire was dispatched to 301 N. Broom Street for reports of a possible fire, with several manhole covers in the area showing smoke. Multiple witnesses called 911 to report similar occurrences on Broom Street and Gorham Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed the presence of smoke and witnessed an explosion that resulted in a manhole cover being lifted from the ground with smoke rising from beneath. MGE was requested to the scene and has begun investigating.
Firefighters checked a nearby building, currently under construction, for signs of fire. MFD crews found dissipating smoke on the lower level but no fire. Other floors were deemed clear. Smoke from the manholes had also dissipated, indicating no active fire underground.
Two construction workers on site suffered non-life threatening, fire-related injuries. They were treated and transported by paramedics to a local hospital. All other construction workers evacuated the worksite uninjured.
Streets remain closed as MFD and MGE continue the investigation.
--PIO Cynthia Schuster
