JACKSON HEIGHTS — A basement fire Sunday shutdown a popular restaurant on busy 74th Street, according to the FDNY.
Witnesses said they heard a "boom" at around 6 p.m. and then smoke filled Merit Kabab and Dumpling Palace, at 37-67 74th St. There was also smoke pouring out of the sewers and from a manhole on the street, they said.
"I just saw the smoke coming," Ayub Khan, who works at a halal meat shop on 74th St., steps from the 7 train, said.
"It made a big noise, a 'boom.' The smoke start from the [manhole,] then moved to the sewer."
The fire was under control just before 7 p.m, according to the FDNY. There were no injuries.
Fire officials are continuing to investigate the cause but National Grid and Con Ed officials were working to dig up the street in front of Merit Kabab Sunday evening.
The store's owner, Marc, said it was likely caused by an electrical short circuit, and his shop will be closed for a few days as officials investigate.
Next door, the owner of ABC Wireless on the corner of 74th Street and 37th Road said they have had persistent issues with old wires feeding into their store.
"We upgraded all the wires and circuit, but the last three winters there have been fires," in the store basements, he said.
A Con Ed spokesman said they cut off electrical service to the building as requested by the fire department and will replace the service line that connects power from the street to the building. He did not know of any previous issues with the wiring.
