On Thursday morning, a steam pipe exploded on Fifth Avenue and 21st Street. The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m, and led to the evacuation of twenty-eight buildings in the area.
The explosion in the city’s Flatiron District caused five minor injuries. No official cause has been stated. Con Edison stated:
“Environmental testing is being conducted to determine whether asbestos or other contaminants are present, but as a precaution, anyone in the vicinity of the rupture who was covered in the material is advised to bag their clothing and shower.”
STREETS HAVE BEEN SHUT DOWN DUE TO THE STEAM PIPE EXPLOSION
Con Edison later cautioned people to keep away from the area. Officials shut down Fifth Avenue’s 20th to 23rd streets.
We've been working to isolate the steam rupture that occurred this morning on 5th Ave and 21st St in Manhattan. Crews are closing valves in the area which will result in the loss of steam service to some buildings. People are advised to stay clear of the area for safety reasons. pic.twitter.com/6S0FaWsX9A
— Con Edison (@ConEdison) July 19, 2018
Daniel A. Nigro, FDNY Commissioner, stated,
We’re operating with an abundance of caution since this steam main was installed in 1932, so there is possibly a presence of asbestos. Samples have been taken and we’re awaiting the lab results. We are operating as though those samples will come back positive.”
Workers in hazmat suits carrying bags of items and clothes people turned in covered in dust from the #steampipeexplosion @ConEdison recommends anyone within a block bag their clothes and turn them into them due to possible #asbestos contamination. #Flatiron #1010WINS pic.twitter.com/EOXnrsNr5Z
— Samantha Liebman (@SamiLiebman) July 20, 2018
Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons
