Steam Explosion

(Picture from Fox News)

New York City got a wake up call on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 when a steam pipe exploded beneath the street near 41st and Lexington Avenue. It occured around 6 pm and sent many people scurrying away from the area. The first thought to pop into people's minds was terrorism.

The picture above almost looks like a shot from 9/11. Luckily it was not terrorism but just a steam pipe bursting. Probably a combination of the humid weather, massive amounts of steam circulating below the streets of Manhattan, and the rain on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, over 20 people were hurt and one person died. The response by NYC officials was pretty fast. It can be noted though that members of the media arrived before any firefighters or police. That sort of troubles me.

The city blames the age of the pipe, which was over 80 years old. Since many of the city's pipes are that old, I am surprised this doesn't happen more often. Hopefully, Con Ed and the City will look into this more carefully.