No Asbestos Found After Major Steam Pipe Leak Partially Shuts Down Midtown East in NYC

December 27, 2023 MANHATTAN, New York – On Wednesday morning many in the midtown area woke up to a major disruption after a massive steam pipe leak caused traffic jams and a scare to residents after concerns there could be asbestos in the air due to a pipe ruptured.

“We survived Covid, one day is nothing bad.” -Uriel Iskhakov

The pipe leak was located at E 52nd Street & Second Avenue, and reportedly shut down traffic to approximately 50 blocks in Midtown East.

Most of the day crews worked tirelessly as clean up continued into the evening and investigators tested air quality in an attempt to ease concerns to thousands of residents from near by neighborhood.

Businesses were also impacted, like one struggling barber shop trying to continue with business as usual despite all the street closures.

We talked with Uriel Iskhakov, owner of Premium barber shop chain who said, “I hope they’re going to finish this work today and tomorrow so we can go back to business. We survived Covid, one day is nothing bad. We’re gonna come back tomorrow hopefully they’re gonna finish it but ConEdison doesn’t let us know when it’s going to be done and how long will we be closed.”

Most businesses in the area were unable to open, as the steam pipe issue in midtown shut down multiple blocks for hours. Locals and tourists alike were not able to make purchases and many motorists were forced to find alternate routes.

According to city officials, air quality tests continued to read negative for elevated levels of asbestos and there were no injuries reported as residents were allowed return to their homes Wednesday evening.

Steam was temporarily shut off during repairs leaving several buildings in the area without heat. The cause of the leak is still under investigation.