Steam pipe ruptures in Midtown Manhattan, causing massive traffic delays: Residents are told to clear the area and shut their windows
- It happened on East 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue early Wednesday morning.
- There were closures from 1st Avenue to Lexington Avenue between 51st and 54th Streets.
- No injuries reported
A steam pipe ruptured in midtown Manhattan, New York, early Wednesday morning, closing streets and prompting authorities to warn residents to close their windows.
According to the New York City Fire Department, the steam pipe problem occurred near East 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue around 5:30 a.m.
Emergency crews arrived on the scene and shut down the steam line around 6:45 a.m. No injuries were reported.
Many streets on the eastern side of Manhattan were forced to close, including 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, 1st Avenue and Lexington Avenue between 54th and 51st Streets.
New York City’s Office of Emergency Management said Con Edison crews had been spotted and that anyone living or working nearby was urged to close all windows.
A steam pipe ruptured in midtown Manhattan, New York, early Wednesday morning, closing streets and prompting authorities to warn residents to close their windows.
According to the New York City Fire Department, the steam pipe problem occurred near East 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue around 5:30 a.m.
It remains unclear what caused the leak, but air quality tests are currently being carried out.
“The main problem now is air quality testing. We will have those results this morning,” said Zachary Iscol, commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Agency.
Energy company Con Edison advises “anyone in the area of East 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue to stay away from the area for safety reasons and to close all windows.”
Meanwhile, the Staten Island Ferry is operating on a modified schedule during the morning rush, with sailings departing approximately every 20 minutes.
On Wednesday morning, the FDNY announced: “Expect traffic delays, transit disruptions and emergency response personnel near E 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan.” Please use alternative routes.