Video captures New York grandmother, children narrowly avoiding manhole explosion

Fox News - Apr 22nd, 2025
Open on Fox News

In a dramatic incident captured on video, a grandmother and her two grandchildren narrowly avoided a manhole explosion in Poughkeepsie, New York. Lisa Davis and the children were walking on the sidewalk after an Easter egg hunt when the explosion occurred, sending concrete into the air. The Poughkeepsie Fire Department reported that high levels of carbon monoxide were found in multiple buildings, leading to evacuations in the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the source of the explosion was identified as an electrical fault in an underground cable.

This incident highlights the potential risks associated with underground electrical systems, even though such manhole events are not uncommon. The spokesperson for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. confirmed that the explosion was not related to the natural gas distribution system. The event underscores the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring of urban infrastructure to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring public safety and minimizing disruption in residential areas.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and accurate account of a dramatic incident involving a manhole explosion in Poughkeepsie. It effectively uses credible sources and video evidence to support its claims, enhancing its reliability. While the story is timely and captures public interest, it could benefit from a wider range of perspectives and greater transparency in its reporting methodology. The language and structure are clear, making the article accessible to a broad audience. Overall, the story successfully informs readers about a potentially hazardous situation, with room for improvement in balance and source diversity.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the incident of a woman and her grandchildren narrowly avoiding a manhole explosion in Poughkeepsie. The key factual claims, such as the identities involved, the location, and the cause of the explosion, are consistent with the information provided by the Poughkeepsie Fire Department and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. However, there are minor details that need further verification, such as the exact date of the incident and the type of gas detected. Overall, the story's factual basis is strong, supported by credible sources and video evidence.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced account of the incident, focusing on the dramatic nature of the event and the official responses from relevant authorities. However, it primarily presents the perspective of the grandmother and the official statements from the fire department and the gas company. The story could have been more balanced by including additional perspectives, such as those of other eyewitnesses or experts on manhole explosions, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the incident.

8
Clarity

The language and structure of the article are clear and concise, effectively conveying the dramatic nature of the incident. The logical flow of information helps readers easily understand the sequence of events and the responses from authorities. However, the inclusion of additional context, such as the frequency and causes of manhole explosions, could enhance the overall clarity and comprehension of the article.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including the Poughkeepsie Fire Department and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., which are authoritative entities in the context of this incident. The inclusion of video footage adds to the reliability of the report. However, the story could benefit from a wider range of sources, such as independent experts or additional eyewitnesses, to enhance the depth and reliability of the coverage.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly attributing statements to the Poughkeepsie Fire Department and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology used to gather information, such as how the video footage was obtained or verified. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the readers' understanding of the story's basis and the potential factors affecting its impartiality.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/video/6371798264112
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3ljRb-6nX8
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ab4Knsff_4
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOCMS56l4fs
  5. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/poughkeepsie-ny-explosion-video/