Shakes explosion in Lower Manhattan

NEW YORK – The explosion of an 86-year-old steam pipeline in the Flatiron District caused the closure of the lively area Lower Manhattan early Thursday morning

. Manhattan, while the blast left a crater in the middle of the street and turned the area into a ghost town while smoking while the investigators cleaned the traffic.

Dramatic footage of the explosion in Manhattan

More than two dozen buildings in the "hot zone" were evacuated after the explosion at 6.30am. Near Fifth Avenue and 21st Street There was excessive smoke nearly two hours after the event

At least five people were slightly injured

Con Edison was on the scene and was studying the quality of the Air for fear of contamination of asbestos or other contaminants.

The results of the environmental tests are still pending, the authorities said, but said that they work under the possibility that they would be positive for asbestos contamination. Anyone exposed at the time of the explosion should pack their bags and shower.

If asbestos is confirmed, the whole area should be decontaminated, which could take a few days, officials said. The explosion also hit a line of gas, main water and electrical energy, which can also take several days to recover.

"Our workers close the gates in the area, which will cause the loss of steam service in some buildings. People are advised to stay away from the area for safety reasons, "the company said via Twitter

We worked to isolate the steam break that occurred this morning on 5th Ave and 21st St in Manhattan. The crews close the gates in the area, which will result in the loss of steam service for some buildings. People are advised to stay away from the area for security reasons. pic.twitter.com/6S0FaWsX9A

– Con Edison (@ConEdison) July 19, 2018

Authorities immediately evacuated the blast zone and several streets across Manhattan were closed by the Fact. Debris, including bits of wet asphalt, blurred the adjacent streets and the cars that were in the scene were completely covered.

The intermittent color of the smoke indicated the possibility of an underground fire. The area was also covered with stubborn water, although the authorities did not confirm the fire or the rupture of a pipe.

The New York Fire Department (FDNY) reacted to the emergency and is on the scene to badess the damage.

The explosion occurs nearly 11 years after the explosion of a steam pipeline near Grand Central. This outbreak occurred during the peak hour of July 18, 2007. Authorities reported that this was due to a failure of an underground tube of 83 years

The cause of the Thursday's explosion is still unknown. 19659022] Road traffic and public transportation were affected by the emergency.