Transformer fire forces closure of Carmine's near Times Square

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - A manhole fire near Times Square sent smoke billowing and forced a popular restaurant to close for at least a day.

The Fire Department says no injuries were reported from the underground electrical transformer fire around 8 a.m. Friday.

It happened on West 44th Street near Seventh Avenue in front of Carmine's, an Italian eatery frequented by theatergoers and others.

Carmine's says in a statement on its website that all its workers quickly got out unharmed.

The restaurant says its Times Square location will be shuttered Friday while working to reopen as quickly as possible.

With the Associated Press