Viral Video Shows Massive Pipe Explosion Blasting A Hole In The Middle Of Fifth Avenue, NYC
NEWS
Viral Video Shows Massive Pipe Explosion Blasting A Hole In The Middle Of Fifth Avenue, NYC
Authorities in New York are now facing a big problem. An aging steam pipe exploded beneath Fifth Avenue, thus erupting 10 stories high white smoke that stretched up to the sky.
Steam pipe blast spews asbestos and creates bus-size crater in the middle of New York City. @LinseyDavis reports. https://t.co/2lSepvwMyH pic.twitter.com/eAYOQmmvK7
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) July 19, 2018
According to Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro, the 1932’s pipe erupted around 6:40 a.m. between 22nd and 21st streets.
The main problem
The old pipe contained cancer-causing asbestos, which created a lot of health concerns. Is the air safe to breathe? What about the long-term effect of exposure through debris?
Steam pipe explosion on 21st street pic.twitter.com/q1yUfukWl4
— Veronica Ramirez (@vram89) July 19, 2018
But, luckily, officials assure that the potentially dangerous substances were found in the pipe itself, not in the air.
Evacuation process
In the epicenter of the exposure, a total of 49 buildings were evacuated, and the whole area was closed down. About 500 residents were displaced.
Just your average morning seeing a massive cloud of smoke on the way to work. Apparently it’s a steam pipe explosion? Is that a big deal? Good luck on your commute anyone going to Flatiron. pic.twitter.com/DkBYWsh48Z
— Jerry 20P (@SalesforceJerry) July 19, 2018
Con Edison, one of America’s largest energy companies, is believed to pay for the hotel accommodation until it’ll be safe to come back to the affected area.
What actually happened?
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt with a few people receiving only minor injuries.
A massive steam pipe explosion in New York City ripped apart pavement and sent a huge plume of steam into they sky https://t.co/Fid2t4pQpJ pic.twitter.com/4gFUZt2eSx
— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 19, 2018
More than 100 firefighters joined forces with the NYPD and crews from Con Edison to respond to the situation. The explosion left a large hole with a thick white vapor coming out of it, which can be seen on the street. It reminds a scene from an apocalyptic movie.
Daniel Nigro stated that although there weren’t any outages or major disruptions, it will take a long time to repair the damage.