Loud explosion in the Financial District draws crowds

The incident was, ultimately, a false alarm: Multiple first responders told Gazetteer SF that the cause of the explosion was a firework.

It’s unclear exactly where or how the firework ended up exploding near the intersection; firefighters and police officers on scene did not elaborate on any details. Bystanders speculated about the cause, and one man (who did not give his name) told Gazetteer that he had overheard first responders calling it a “prank.” 

First responders confirmed there were no injuries from the explosion. The fire trucks dispersed by about 3:35 p.m.