By Phil Corso
About 50 people were evacuated from eight buildings in Astoria Wednesday night after authorities received word of several manhole fires, the Fire Department said.
Officials were still on the scene as of 8 p.m. dealing with high carbon monoxide readings and several manhole fires near 23-26 31st Ave., the FDNY said. No serious injuries were reported, but one person was taken to a nearby hospital for precautionary reasons, authorities said.
Upon arriving, officials found carbon monoxide readings as high as 400 parts per million — more than 13 times more concentrated than the typical kitchen stove.
The cause of the fires was unknown and the investigation was ongoing with Consolidated Edison on the scene, the Fire Department said.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
