‘Reported Explosion’ Causes Asbury Park Power Outage, Evacuations

ASBURY PARK –Jersey Central Power and Light said it’s investigating reported “explosions” in Asbury Park that have caused 200 power outages and evacuations on Thursday.

JCP&L spokesman Mark Dubin said it got reports that “explosions” caused manhole covers to pop up. The power company is investigating and believes it may have something to with the underground vaults.

NJ Advance Media reported that people thought they heard a possible “explosion” and a picture captured smoke coming from a manhole.

Police are telling people to avoid the downtown Cookman, Mattison, Lake and Bangs Avenue areas until further notice.

That would include some of the city’s downtown stores.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.