You are reading

Manhole Fire Sends Smoke Billowing into LIC Restaurant, Windows Get Smashed

The smashed windows of Jora, located at 47-46 11th St., on Monday (Photo credit: Joel Voisard)

Dec. 22, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

A manhole erupted in flames in Long Island City early Monday sending smoke billowing into a nearby restaurant.

The blaze took place near the corner of 48th Avenue and 11th Street at around 4:15 a.m. and smoke quickly filled the outdoor dining area at Jora, a Peruvian restaurant located at 47-46 11th St.

Responding firefighters were forced to smash nearly all of the plexiglass windows in order to release the smoke. The fire was put out by 5:28 a.m., according to the FDNY.

Shattered glass could be seen strewn across the tables and the floor of the outdoor dining area Monday.

The owners of Jora said they were forced to close the eatery Monday due to the incident and plan to reopen today.

Manhole fires are a common occurrence in New York City, particularly in the winter.

The mixture of melting snow and de-icing salt seeping into manholes cause frayed low-voltage cables to fail. In turn, that causes fires, smoke and explosions that can send manhole covers flying.

An image from the man hole fire (Citizen)

Smoke in Restaurant @CitizenApp

47-46 11th St 4:24:11 AM EST 

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Advocates urge passage of New York for All Act as Assembly session nears end

Jun. 16, 2025 By Jimmy Robles

As the State Senate concluded its legislative session on Thursday, immigrant rights advocates renewed calls for lawmakers to pass the New York for All Act before the Assembly adjourns on Tuesday, June 17. The proposed legislation, along with several other immigration-related bills, remains pending as the clock winds down on this year’s session.

Queens gun buyback takes 74 firearms off streets, including ghost guns and assault weapons: DA

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday that 74 firearms were taken off the streets at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York in Jamaica during a gun buyback event on Saturday, June 14. The weapons were exchanged for bank cards pre-loaded with cash, with no identification required and no questions asked.

“Gun buybacks serve as a critical tool for reducing gun violence and promoting public safety within our communities,” Katz said. “This Saturday, working with the NYPD and clergy leaders in Jamaica, we received 74 surrendered guns — including five automatic weapons. As a result, these firearms will not be used to cause heartache and tragedy.”

Queens Distance Runners hosts second annual track meet at St. John’s University, spotlighting Olympian and local talent

Jun. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

Dozens of runners gathered at the DaSilva Field Track in St. John’s University for the second annual track meet last month. Hosted by Queens Distance Runners (QDR), a grassroots running organization, the sporting competition welcomed sprinters and distance runners of all skill levels to test their abilities, vying for the podium in track events from 100 meters to 5,000 meters.