Underground explosions spur evacuations, school closings in Red Bank
Several businesses and a church in a Jersey Shore community were evacuated and two schools closed after multiple underground explosions were reported
Red Bank Catholic High School and Saint James Elementary School were both closed on Monday as crews continue to make repairs.
According to a post on the Red Bank website the cause of a power outage that left several hundred customers in the dark had been isolated on Sunday night and only two businesses on Broad Street and Peters Place remained without power.
Red Bank police tell NJ.com that the explosions happened Sunday afternoon in two underground areas on Broad Street, where electrical utility equipment is stored.
No injuries were reported in the incidents. Police say there was "plenty of smoke" in the area but no fire. JCP&L spokesman Ron Morano told NJ.com that equipment in an underground area became loose, creating noise and smoke. He would not characterize the incident as an explosion.
Authorities say less than 20 people had to be evacuated due to the explosions. A portion of the roadway was also shut down.
Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna tells Red Bank Green a meeting is planned today with the utility to discuss the incident and the overall safety of underground equipment in Red Bank.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Red Bank: Power Back On After Explosions / Red Bank Green
- Underground explosions force evacuations in downtown Red Bank, police say / NJ.com
- Red Bank Catholic, St. James closed due to manhole explosions / Asbury Park Press
The Associated Press contributed to this report