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Manhattan's Flatiron district woke up with a bang early Thursday morning, just after 6:30am, when a steam pipe burst leaving a large bus-size crater in the middle of 21st Street and sending a large hissing billow of steam into the air— and New Yorkers out into the streets for a little citizen journalism.
#FDNY members are on scene of a 3-alarm steam explosion, 141 5th Ave Manhattan. There are currently no injuries rep… https://t.co/P4NSNnnPFp— FDNY (@FDNY) 1532003425.0
The "always hungry" New York City Press Secretary for Mayor Bill de Blasio's office warned that asbestos had been found "at the site of the explosion" but that air quality was currently "ok."
Mayor: asbestos found at the sight of the explosion. Air quality is ok right now. Will continue to monitor. “Hot zo… https://t.co/oFKahrEyZU— Eric Phillips (@Eric Phillips) 1532023315.0
NBC New York is reporting that it was "an asbestos-lined, 86-year-old steam pipe," that blew causing the evacuation of "49 buildings," and though they are reporting that air quality in the immediate vicinity "is safe...strong asbestos concerns remain," with Mayor de Blasio quoted as saying:
If it might have gotten on your clothing, get your clothing off.
No immediate injuries were reported.
WYNC Public Radio Reporter Jessica Gould tweeting updates, informed folks that Mayor de Blasio said it could be "close to a couple days to clear the buildings" and be confident neighbors could reenter safely.
She also noted that the cause of the explosion was currently, still unknown.
Mayor de Blasio says will be close to a couple days to clear the buildings and be confident they can go back in.— Jessica Gould (@Jessica Gould) 1532023517.0
Cause of explosion at 21st is still unknown, mayor says— Jessica Gould (@Jessica Gould) 1532023660.0
Others also tweeted updates, trying to help keep everyone informed:
"My whole body was shaking, I didn't know what was going on at the moment," #NYC blast witness says. https://t.co/PewGe9BfOf— NBC New York (@NBC New York) 1532003732.0
@shabbil @WNYC Hi Jaime - here's the latest @WNYC has learned: a high pressure steam pipe leak caused a pipe explos… https://t.co/PN1oU6Ag7A— Shumita Basu (@Shumita Basu) 1532002067.0
>> Con Ed spokesman: if you're in the area of the steam pipe explosion in the flatiron district, bag your clothing… https://t.co/WR7ajcpMue— Alex Silverman (@Alex Silverman) 1532001280.0
What is going on in #Flatiron #NYC?! https://t.co/mkE7Pkfm5x— Jessica Zambelli (@Jessica Zambelli) 1531997714.0
It seemed everyone was out in force, getting the story and some great footage:
BREAKING: Reports of a steam pipe explosion at 5th Ave. and W. 23rd St. in Flatiron. Major street closures. The ext… https://t.co/M92YSqZoVi— Spectrum News NY1 (@Spectrum News NY1) 1531998218.0
Just your average morning seeing a massive cloud of smoke on the way to work. Apparently it's a steam pipe explosio… https://t.co/7LjacS931y— Jerry 20P (@Jerry 20P) 1531998149.0
At least 11 buildings evacuated in Flatiron District of Manhattan following #steam pipe #explosion. No injuries rep… https://t.co/La5Y5IrA4H— Fox5NY (@Fox5NY) 1532005606.0
Fire in the Flatiron District. 5th Ave and 21st St. https://t.co/lXSMxDaMD2— Matt Wade (@Matt Wade) 1531998877.0
Steam pipe explosion #nyc #Flatiron https://t.co/W24XDBsa4S— Justin Keith (@Justin Keith) 1531997807.0
The explosion caused missed work and delays for many:
NYC stories: Can't go to work because a STEAM pipe exploded not far from my office https://t.co/GCFsW9MV5X . Here i… https://t.co/insHyjKAPG— Giuseppe Carleo (@Giuseppe Carleo) 1532003185.0
Steam pipe explosion near the #Flatiron Firetrucks and ambulances blocking off the area. https://t.co/02J8khsyXM— Brisa (@Brisa) 1531999837.0
And lots of footage from every angle of the overwhelming steam:
Steam pipe explosion at 5th Avenue and 21st Street. Large plume of smoke rising above Flatiron District; raining di… https://t.co/zaljbVcCcr— Myles Miller (@Myles Miller) 1532000587.0
Steam pipe explosion in the Flatiron. 21st and 5th. Sounds like a jet engine! https://t.co/XYXTwmZinQ— Craig Treadway (@Craig Treadway) 1531999265.0
More from that huge steam pipe explosion in #nyc #Flatiron no injuries #fdny #nypd @abc7ny #abc7ny https://t.co/ivDVAAQN1O— Kemberly Richardson (@Kemberly Richardson) 1532003552.0
A miracle no one was hurt from the steam pipe explosion at 5th Ave and 21st Street. Just left the scene. Thanks for… https://t.co/8QqA3fcLdf— Corey Johnson (@Corey Johnson) 1532001916.0
Never a dull moment in NYC.