A manhole fire and explosion in Manhattan early on Sunday morning damaged cars and storefronts, caused power failures and injured at least three people, officials said.

The Fire Department responded to a call about smoke coming from several manholes on 56th Street between First and Second Avenues around 4:30 a.m. Firefighters searched the buildings on both sides of the street, John Sarrocco, a deputy assistant chief, said at a news briefing.