One-day after a steam pipe leak in Midtown East, residents are still being urged to take air-quality based precautions.
© April Barton/FREE PRESS / + © Liam Kennedy / The Leaf Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – Residents of Midtown East are still being asked to remain indoors and keep windows closed after Wednesday’s steam pipe leak raised asbestos concerns. The cleanup process is expected to take several days. Initial testing turned up negative for asbestos, but air quality is being continuously evaluated and road closures remain in place.
It was early on Wednesday, during the overnight hours, when residents near Second Avenue and East 52nd Street first reported a large plume of steam. It wasn’t until 7:00 AM that morning when workers were able to cap the leaking pipe. Now, the cleanup area spans several surrounding blocks.
Eyewitness News reports a source with the FDNY told them numerous complaints had come in concerning the pipe in recent days. Mayor Adams provided an update on Wednesday night and said “The cause of the leak is under investigation, and as soon as we get updated we’ll make a public announcement. We’ve asked residents in the area to keep windows closed while we clean the streets and minimize pedestrian traffic. We don’t have any injuries, thank God, we’ll continue to monitor the situation.”
City officials say they’ll keep road closures in place until the cleanup process is completed. Residents are being urged to use N-95 masks when venturing outdoors, as a potential asbestos contamination can’t be ruled out for now. Dust and debris spewed from the leak site and covered surrounding cars and sidewalks.
