Pedestrians evacuated in Greektown as manhole covers blow

DETROIT (WJBK) - Manhole covers were reported blowing off around the Greektown area downtown Wednesday night.

Detroit police moved to evacuate pedestrians from the Beaubien and Monroe area, trying to keep them away from manhole covers. There have been no reports of injuries.

Police are not sure which manholes could blow next. Police are working to keep gawkers out of the area. 

Some customers were kept inside some Greektown area restaurants which police thought were likely more safe than letting them go to their vehicles.

A Detroit Fire Department source said that the problem was caused by a DTE Energy electric distribution system underground, possibly a transformer.

One witness told FOX 2 that he saw flames come out of the manhole after the cover blew off. He said he knew of at least four manhole covers blowing off.

Smoke was reported in the basement of Fishbone's around the time the manhole covers were said to begin blowing off in the area.

Stay with FOX 2 for more information as it becomes available.