Steam pipe explode Manhattan

[natty bumppo 297]

There have been more than a dozen steam pipe explosions in the city in the last 20 years. One of the largest shook the neighborhood around Gramercy Park in 1989 and did millions of dollars in damage. Three people were killed, two of them Con Edison employees who had been working in the street before the explosion.

Within hours of the blast yesterday, Con Ed and the city’s Department of Environmental Protection began taking air samples to determine whether asbestos had been released. They were also checking the debris that littered the street. Mr. Bloomberg said subway entrances and exits would also be tested.

The mayor said it would take a few hours to determine whether there was asbestos in the air or on the street. He said the water that was released along with the steam would have washed away asbestos if it had been released.

But he urged people who might have come into contact with mud or soot from the blast to wash carefully, and to have their clothes cleaned separately as soon as possible.

Jessica Leighton, a deputy commissioner at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, also cautioned people inside buildings near the blast to close windows and turn on their air-conditioners, to recirculate the air inside instead of drawing in air from outside.

link: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/19/nyregion...amp;oref=slogin

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Yeah I saw that - up on Lexington and 41st.

The massive hole in the street will make tomorrow's commute interesting. Luckily I don't have to go that way.

[natty bumppo 297]

here is a picture of the explosion...many said it reminded 9/11...people got scared.....

[natty bumppo 297]

photo 1

[doodlebug 3]

photo 1

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

here is a picture of the explosion...many said it reminded 9/11...people got scared.....

I'm not surprised. There was a column of steam higher than some of the skyscrapers. Would want to be sitting over that 'Old Faithful' in your car.

[Neja 0]

Yep there was a lot of smoke/steam. It was quite crazy. We could see the people evacuating Grand Central from my office window. No one really knew what had happened.

Tomorrow morning is definitely going to be interesting. I work over that way. Wonder if the trains will be running into Grand Central again by then.

Edited July 19, 2007 by Neja

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

[mawilson 2,133]

I'm ok, Charles, if that's your way of expressing concern

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

A visiting friend was asking why there are liquid nitrogen cylinders with hoses leading down into the drains. I guess this might explain it...

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

I'm ok, Charles, if that's your way of expressing concern

i knew you'd be fine anyone seen gupt?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I'm ok, Charles, if that's your way of expressing concern

i knew you'd be fine anyone seen gupt?

Hopefully he doesn't drive a red pickup truck....