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

Richard Drew/AP Photo

Steam billows on New York's Fifth Avenue, Thursday, July 19, 2018. A steam pipe exploded beneath Fifth Avenue in Manhattan early Thursday, sending chunks of asphalt flying, a geyser of billowing white steam stories into the air and forcing pedestrians to take cover.

• A steam pipe exploded on 5th 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 minor 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 of at least 28 buildings, the FDNY said on Twitter. Five injuries have been reported. 

The incident also sparked concerns about asbestos. 

Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Emergency responders examine the scene at a steam pipe explosion in Midtown Manhattan.

"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.