An explosion and fire in an underground manhole at approximately 7pm caused the closing of the play 'Jersey Boys' and the evacuation of a hotel and several other buildings in the area. While the explosion and fire were quite severe, no injuries were reported. This iReporter captured this short video and photos while en route to the opening night preview of the new Broadway production of 'La Cage Aux Folles' which was a few blocks south of 52nd Street where the fire occured.

Because I was on my way to the theater, I was unable to go up to the location and shoot close up video. As you can see from this short clip and photos however, New Yorkers take everything in stride as people stroll seemingly unperturbed by the massive show of fire fighters and emergency lights.