New York City

Steam Pours Out Onto Midtown Streets After Water Main Break, Snarling Traffic

What to Know

  • Officials say a water pipe break in Manhattan's theater district has led to some billowing steam and rush-hour traffic tie-ups
  • Con Edison say a water main broke, and some steam was released when water hit hot pipes
  • The utility company said they initially got a call from the FDNY just after noon Monday, and there have been crews at the site since 1 p.m.

Officials say a water pipe break in Manhattan's theater district has led to some billowing steam and rush-hour traffic tie-ups.

Firefighters say no injuries have been reported from the incident around 5 p.m. at West 49th Street and Eighth Avenue. Con Edison say a water main broke, and some steam was released when water hit hot pipes.

Con Ed also said they had to released the pipes that were closed, releasing even more steam.

Firefighters say the block is closed, and there's heavy traffic nearby on Eighth Avenue.

Con Ed says steam has been shut off to a handful of customers, but given that one customer may be an entire high-rise, it is not known how many people or businesses were effected.

The shut-off was done so the city's Department of Environmental Protection could complete the repairs, which were underway Monday night and set to continue through the night.

The utility company said that they initially got a call from the FDNY just after noon, and there have been crews at the site since 1 p.m.

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