A steam pipe explosion on NYC's iconic 5th Avenue prompts evacuation of 28 buildings and asbestos warning

A steam pipe exploded on5th Avenue and 21st Street in New York City on Thursday at around 6:40 a.m. ET.The incident prompted the evacuation of 28 buildings and warnings of possible asbestos.Authorities are asking people to stay away from the affected area.Five injuries have been reported, according to the FDNY.A steam pipe explosion in New York City's Flatiron District on Thursday morning sent steam spewing high above buildings and created a crater-like hole on 5th Avenue.The explosion, which occurred around 6:40 a.m. ET on 5th Avenue and 21st Street, prompted evacuations ofat least 28 buildings, the FDNY said on Twitter. Five injuries have been reported.The incident also sparked concerns about asbestos."Environmental testing is being conducted to determine whether asbestos or other contaminants are present, but as a precaution anyone in the vicinity of the rupture who was covered in material is advised to bag their clothing and shower,"ConEd said in a statement via Twitter at about 9:00 AM ET.The energy company also warned people to stay away from the area as a safety precaution. Fifth Avenue from 20th Street to 23rd Street has also been shut down.Those who witnessed the incident were quick to take to Twitter to post footage of the explosion.Steam pipe explosion at 21st Street and 5th Avenue should cause @MTA to shut down BMT R and W service at East 23rd Street. #asbestos #steampipe pic.twitter.com/3cLQFliywD' Stuyvesant Square (@StuySquare) July 19, 2018Firefighter said it was 'asbestos steam' which is either a great way to get me to leave quickly (I did) or maybe very not good. From 5th Ave and 18th St pic.twitter.com/6ldK1gSYpS' Man Bartlett ' (@man) July 19, 2018Met a woman who was at work in Flatiron building when the steam pipe exploded. She took this video. Now headed home to ditch her clothes and shower. Worried about asbestos (video by Amy Menendez)@NBCNewYork pic.twitter.com/hSmxRfgFwA' Adam Kuperstein (@Adam4NY) July 19, 2018Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: Most affluent investors would rather go to the dentist than invest in a company that hurts the environment
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