The annual gas explosions at the corner of Broadway and Boerum street took place at 12:15 o'clock this morning. People living in the neighborhood were badly frightened by two loud reports, but no serious damage was done. One of the New York and New Jersey Telephone company's mains was torn open. The paving stones on all sides were tossed high into the air and fell in a heap. The pavement near another main near by was torn up for a short distance.
    For the past three years explosions have occurred at the same point, usually at this time of the year, and each time after a heavy rain. Fortunately no one has ever been hurt. Had a trolley car been passing the manhole in front of the German Savings bank, where the greater explosion took place it is likely that some of the passengers would have been killed. Heavy Belgian blocks were thrown across the car tracks with terrific force. The cover of the main went up ten feet followed by a sheet of blue flame. A few seconds later, at the main above, at the corner of Lynch street and Broadway, there was slight explosion. Several paving stones were thrown out of place.
    Frank Leyman, deputy commissioner of city works, was informed by Superintendent N. I. Flocken of the street bureau, this morning, that an explosion had occurred in the same place last year. Mr. Leyman directed H. S. Wynkoop to make an inspection of the mains at that point to determine the cause of the explosion. Mr. Wynkoop started off at once with a galvanometer to learn what it is that gives the folks near the German Savings bank a small earthquake every year.
    The officials of the Williamsburgh, Nassau and Peoples' gas companies were unable to give any explanation of the accident this morning. It is believed that gas from neighboring mains settled in the manhole and was ignited by an electric spark caused by the underground trolley and telephone wires.
    A man from the telephone company fenced in the big hole this morning. Later in the day a gang of workmen from the city works department were sent to repair the street. None of the telephone wires was damaged.
    This explosion caused less damage than those of former years. Only one manhole was torn open last night. Three manholes were usually included in former subterranean disturbances in that vicinity.
    A change in subway arrangements, it is believed, will be necessary if the same thing happens again. People are now shying at manhole covers along upper Broadway. Herman Eckert, a baker who lives near the scene of last night's accident, said he was getting a little used to it, but he thought it was time something was done to stop it. His neighbors agree with him.

Source:

Unknown, "Two Man Holes on Broadway Blown Up Again," Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, Friday, 1 November 1895, p. 4.