Firefighters rushed to Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday afternoon after several underground explosions rattled passersby and workers in Times Square, CBS 2 has learned.

Officials said a three-alarm fire broke out after an underground transformer burst into flames in a manhole near 226 W. 52nd Street. It’s believed a second transformer may have blown at 1697 Broadway, near the Ed Sullivan Theater.

Flames could be seen shooting from the manhole and bits of the street were blown out from the blaze. Witnesses reported hearing a loud “pops” and explosion after explosion beneath the street had pedestrians worried.

Con Ed crews were also on the scene investigating.

Four buildings, including the Hotel Novetel near the scene, were evacuated due to high levels of carbon monoxide.

There is no word as to what caused the fire to break out.

Broadway from 51st to 54th Streets were shut down while firefighters tended to the blaze.

(Source: CBS2 HD)