What Are Your Legal Rights After a Public Utility Accident?
A Close Call in Poughkeepsie Highlights Infrastructure Dangers
A routine walk turned into a terrifying ordeal for Lisa Davis and her two grandchildren, who narrowly escaped injury when a manhole exploded just moments after they passed over it. The incident occurred in Poughkeepsie, New York, following an Easter egg hunt and was captured on video.
Watch the dramatic footage here: Fox News Video
What Happened?
As seen in the video, Davis was pushing a stroller with one child while another walked beside her. Just seconds after they crossed over a manhole cover, it exploded violently, sending debris and concrete into the air. The Poughkeepsie Fire Department later confirmed that multiple manholes exploded on that block, triggering evacuations due to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide.
A spokesperson from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. stated that the explosion was caused by an electrical fault on an underground cable, not their natural gas system. Thankfully, no injuries were reported — but the situation could have turned tragic in an instant.
Who’s Responsible for Manhole Explosions?
Manhole explosions in New York are often the result of aging infrastructure, electrical faults, or gas buildup. Utility companies have a legal duty to maintain underground systems and prevent foreseeable hazards to the public.
When that duty is breached, and someone is injured or put at risk, the utility provider or municipality may be liable for:
- Negligent maintenance or inspection
- Failure to address known electrical issues
- Inadequate warning systems or safeguards
Can You Sue for a Near-Miss or Emotional Distress?
While this Poughkeepsie case ended without physical injuries, the emotional trauma of such an event — especially when children are involved — is real. In similar cases, victims may be able to pursue legal action for:
- Emotional distress or PTSD
- Endangerment of minors
- Loss of personal property (if damage occurred)
- Medical expenses if injury later develops
- Negligence claims against the responsible agency or utility provider
Know Your Rights: Public Utility & Premises Liability
At O’Connor & Partners, PLLC, we’ve helped clients in Poughkeepsie and throughout the Hudson Valley recover damages from utility companies and municipalities after avoidable accidents. Our experienced team investigates incidents like manhole explosions to determine:
- Who was responsible for maintaining the infrastructure
- Whether inspections or repairs were overdue
- If there were prior complaints or warnings ignored
- What safety protocols were in place — or missing
We Handle Complex Injury and Negligence Cases
If you or a loved one has been hurt — or narrowly escaped harm — due to a public infrastructure failure, you may be entitled to compensation. These types of cases require immediate investigation and skilled legal strategy.
We’ve represented clients in cases involving:
- Manhole explosions
- Gas line failures
- Building code violations
- City negligence and public works issues
- Electric utility injuries
Call O’Connor & Partners, PLLC for a Free Consultation
If you or your family experienced a manhole explosion or any public utility accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Our team is ready to hold the responsible parties accountable — and help you recover.
Serving Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh, and the surrounding areas
Call us now for a FREE consultation
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When public safety fails, we’re here to protect your rights.