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Huge Cloud of Steam Shuts Down Fifth Avenue
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Mar 13, 2003 11:46 am US/Eastern
(1010 WINS) (NEW YORK) Con Edison has stopped a steam leak that was sending a huge gray cloud over Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue at 52nd Street in Manhattan.
No injuries were reported. However, pedestrians were instructed to stay away from the area until it could be determined if the pipe was lined with asbestos.
The steam erupted for about 45 minutes before workers managed to shut off a valve at about 10:45 a-m.
Con Edison spokesman Chris Olert says he was gathering information from workers at the scene. The Fire Department also was present.
Officers at the scene said a pipe had burst beneath the street, releasing the steam and dirt. The steam shot about 100 feet into the air and hung over the intersection.
Police closed off about six blocks of Fifth Avenue, resulting in a traffic backup along nearby streets.