NYC steam pipe ruptures; testing finds no sign of asbestos as cleanup begins

MANHATTAN - A ruptured steam pipe on Manhattan's East Side closed several streets Wednesday morning along 1st, 2nd, and 3rd avenues, amid concerns of asbestos in the air.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Mayor Adams said that air quality testing did not show any elevated levels of asbestos in the air, but that nearby residents are being provided with N95 masks out of an abundance of caution. 

Officials say streets will remain closed until testing is complete and cleanup may take days. 

Streets closed in Manhattan's East Side

• 2nd Ave. is closed between 54th St. and 51st St.
• 51st St. to 54th St. is closed between Lexington Avenue and 1st Ave.
• 3rd Ave. is closed between 51st and 54th streets.
• 1st Ave. is closed between 51st and 54th streets.
• Lexington Avenue is closed between 54th and 51st streets.

Was there a steam explosion in NYC today?

According to Con Edison, they noticed there were issues with the steam line around 2 a.m. in Midtown, around 53rd St. and 2nd Ave. Lots of steam was seen coming out from the ground.

Crews were able to cap the steam line around 6:45 a.m. White, grayish residue was seen on the ground, as well as a number of parked vehicles Wednesday morning.

"The big thing right now that we're working on is they're doing some air quality testing. We'll have those results back later this morning," said Zachary Iscol, commissioner of the NYC Emergency Management.

There is concern asbestos may have been released. Officials are handing out masks to residents. A shelter in place has since been lifted.

No injuries were reported. Air quality testing is currently underway.

The cause of the rupture is unknown at this time.