Strange Happenings Under City Streets of the Midwest

[Dave in Detroit]

Strange Happenings under the streets of Midwest cities[b]

Has anyone else heard about weird happenings going on under the streets of our Midwest cities? Get this ...

On Sunday, January 2nd 2005, 15-20 manhole covers blew 80 feet into the air. This happened in a two or three block stretch of downtown Detroit, under the intersection with Cadillac Square and Randolph Street. I saw an interview on TV with a guy who witnessed a manhole cover flying past the window of his third story loft. He said it was surreal. This happened at four in the afternoon.

Officials with DTE Energy and the Gas company reported a fire in the tunnels under the streets, and said the heat and pressure of the fire caused the manholes to shoot into the air. No one was hurt and service was unaffected. No power loss, no black out, no loss of streetlights, no problem with the gaslines. Yet there was an explosion that sent manholes flying 80 feet straight into the air, smoke pouring from the uncovered manholes and reports of firefighters and lighting department personal working together to put out a fire underground. Witnesses reported the smell of burning plastic and wires.

Officials with the city, DTE Energy, and the gas company reported the "cause unknown," and I have never heard any explanation for it since. Nobody hurt and no property damage (NONE!) and the story is forgotten.

That's weird, but a week later, a friend of mine told me he saw an article on the web about the exact same thing happening in a three block section of downtown Indianapolis, with manhole covers shooting 80 feet into the air, cause unknown. These are true stories.

That seems too much of a coincidence to me. Have any other Midwest cities experienced similar problems. I'm curious. Does anyone have any idea of what's going on? Any insiders with a story to tell?

Dave in Detroit
I love the city lights and smell of diesel fuel

[Bob Trustworthy]

Hey Dave in Detroit

Contact 21 made note of the incident under the 'Agency Voice' board, although there's nothing much there that you didn't already mention. Sounds interesting, I'll keep my eyes and ears open.

[Spook]

there are some pretty deep salt mines near Detroit, and are naturally off limits to the public.

[Silhouette]

Well no one mentioned the possibility of C.H.U.D.s I am proud of you all.

[Fioravanti]

This is a public explanation of the manhole cover problem:

http://www.indystar.com/articles/2/209739-8142-009.html

I'm no physicist, but I do know it would take tremendous pressure to explode out, fill the sewer tunnel with gas/smoke, and lift a manhole cover.[

[Sidious]

Correct me if i am wrong but didn't something similar to this happen in Baltimore in 2000 or so?

I seem to recall it being centered around the Baltimore Convention center which, co-incidently, is right next to the harbor. I believe the 2 are connected at some point.

something maybe happening in the realms beneath our feet.