Short Stuff: Exploding Manholes

Josh and Chuck dive deep into the surprisingly dangerous world of exploding manhole covers, particularly in New York City where thousands of incidents occur every single year. They explore the science behind why aging electrical infrastructure combined with salt water, rodents, and frayed wiring creates a perfect storm for gas buildup and explosive decompression right beneath our feet. While actual injuries are rare, the episode takes a sobering turn when they reveal that at least one person has been killed by a manhole cover, making this hazard far more serious than most New Yorkers realize.