FDNY says a diesel emergency generator backfired, launching a metal vent cover across East 53rd Street.
NEW YORK — Two women were injured Thursday night when an explosion inside a Midtown parking garage sent a heavy metal vent cover into the street, according to fire officials. The blast happened just after 9 p.m. at 160 E. 53rd St., between Lexington and Third avenues.
Officials said the incident stemmed from a malfunction involving the building’s diesel emergency generator. The force propelled a vent cover across East 53rd Street and into pedestrians walking near the garage entrance. Both women were taken to Manhattan hospitals; one suffered serious injuries, while the other had less severe wounds, authorities said. Firefighters quickly secured the scene and checked nearby structures for hazards as investigators began examining the generator and its exhaust system.
Fire Department Deputy Chief Joseph Abbamonte said crews arrived within minutes. “There was some kind of back draft or back puff of a generator,” he said, describing how soot in a chimney or vent pipe can ignite and create a pressure burst. Witnesses reported a sharp bang and a rush of smoke before the vent cover clanged onto the roadway. Traffic was halted while firefighters stretched lines, searched for any additional victims and swept the block for debris. The situation was declared under control around 9:30 p.m., officials said.
Authorities said early evidence points to an accidental mechanical event rather than foul play. The generator is located in the building’s lower levels and is designed to power emergency systems. Investigators are reviewing maintenance records and interviewing staff to determine whether the unit was running at the time or in a test cycle. The precise conditions of both victims were not fully released by hospitals late Thursday, but officials said one woman remained in serious condition and the other was expected to recover.
The blast occurred in a busy commercial corridor that sees heavy foot traffic during evening hours, surrounded by office towers, garages and restaurants. New York has faced separate high-profile building incidents in recent years, including a garage collapse in Lower Manhattan in 2023, which heightened scrutiny of private structures and equipment. While Thursday’s event is unrelated, the quick shutdown of the block and immediate inspections reflected a playbook developed after past emergencies.
Fire marshals will lead the technical investigation, including tests on the generator, its fuel and exhaust components, and a review of safety protocols. City inspectors are expected to examine the garage and adjacent areas for any structural impact from flying debris. If code violations are found, enforcement actions could follow. Officials said they would release additional findings after interviews with building personnel and a lab analysis of soot and residue collected from the venting system.
After the street reopened, the sidewalk remained cordoned off as crews swept glass and checked façades for damage. A handful of onlookers described a sudden, concussive sound and a brief plume from the garage opening. “People didn’t have time to move,” one passerby said, standing near police tape. Another worker from a nearby deli described seeing firefighters carrying medical bags as sirens converged from multiple directions.
As of early Friday, fire marshals continued documenting the scene, and building managers awaited guidance on equipment testing and repairs. Officials said more information on the cause and the victims’ conditions could be released later Friday, Nov. 21.
Author note: Last updated November 21, 2025.