Absestos Fears Arise After Midtown Steam Pipe Explosion

Update: 3:03 p.m.

NEW YORK CITY — Streets near a burst steam pipe in Midtown were closed Wednesday amid fears that asbestos leaked into the air, officials said.

Crews shut off access to the area between Second and Park avenues on 51st and 53rd streets, officials said.

"People should be staying clear of this area," said Zach Iscol, the city's emergency management commissioner.

.@nycoem Commissioner gives the latest on a steam release that happened this morning in Midtown. While we are testing the affected area for possible asbestos, we have temporarily shut down access to the area between 2nd and Park on 51st and 53rd streets. https://t.co/jaj4WiCVts pic.twitter.com/5U0VyNWdmb
— Con Edison (@ConEdison) December 27, 2023

Tests for asbestos continued through the morning, Iscol said.

The leak began about 2 a.m. and got progressively worse until Con Edison crews capped it about 6 a.m., he said.

NEW YORK CITY — A steam pipe explosion in Midtown prompted city officials to urge residents to close windows and shelter in place, along with sweeping traffic closures, authorities said.

The pipe ruptured near East 53rd Street and Second Avenue early Wednesday, FDNY officials said.

The burst line spewed a residue onto Second Avenue that led firefighters to don protective gear and urge people nearby to wear masks because they were unclear whether the substance was hazardous, FOX5 reported.

Con Edison workers advised people near East 52nd Street and Second Avenue to stay clear and close all windows.

.@ConEdison Steam Emergency: Con Edison is advising anyone in the vicinity of E 52 St & 2nd Ave to stay clear of the area for safety reasons and close all windows.
— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) December 27, 2023

Crews closed traffic from 51st to 54th streets between Lexington and First avenue, city emergency management officials tweeted.

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