Legal news for Washington, D.C. personal injury attorneys. An exploding manhole caused a freak accident and injured one.

Washington D.C. personal injury lawyers alerts- An explosion launched a manhole into the air, causing an accident and emitting strange odors.

Washington, D.C.—A freak manhole explosion catapulted a heavy metal manhole cover into the air, through the windshield of an SUV, hit the driver in the face, which then landed in the backseat of the SUV. The manhole was ejected into the air around Monday afternoon, January 25, 2010, at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Plyers Mill Road, south of downtown Wheaton, where residents and police had reported an unidentified odor, as reported by NBC Washington.

The driver of the SUV, who was only identified as a female, was rushed to Suburban Hospital by emergency medical services (EMS) teams, and was later flown to Baltimore Shock Trauma with serious injuries. She is reportedly expected to survive. A strange odor was emitting from the manhole, and Hazmat crews from Pepco and Washington Gas are at the scene trying to determine what the smell is and if there is a possible gas leak. As a precautionary measure, nearby townhouses, apartments, and a church was evacuated, while 75 others were ordered to stay indoors. One person, who inhaled the odor reported feeling sick, and is being evaluated at this time by medical professionals. An investigation is ongoing by police officials.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyers.