5 injured in massive steam pipe explosion in Manhattan

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The massive steam pipe explosion in the Flatiron District of Manhattan on Thursday morning resulted in five minor injuries, according to the FDNY.

An NYPD officer and four civilians were injured, according to a spokesman for the FDNY/EMS.

The incident also has prompted health warnings for people who were exposed to debris from the incident.

The FDNY said on social media that 28 buildings have been evacuated.

Extensive street closures are occurring in the Flatiron District, with all lanes blocked from 23rd Street to 19th Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, according to Notify NYC.

The explosion, which took place at 141 Fifth Ave. near 21st Street, prompted a three-alarm response, according to the FDNY Twitter feed.

In addition to the FDNY and NYPD, Con Edison has responded to the incident.

"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," according to a Con Edison social media post.

The NYPD and Con Edison are asking people to avoid the area. The utility is warning that there may be no steam service in some area buildings.

MTA buses, including the M23-SBS routes, are detoured due to FDNY activity on Fifth Avenue and 22nd Street, and 23nd Street is closed between Madison Avenue and Sixth Avenue due to the emergency response, according to NYCT Buses.

"We've been working to isolate the steam rupture," Con Edison said on Twitter.  "Crews are closing valves in the area which will result in the loss of steam service to some buildings."

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