The Day After the Summer 2007 New York Water Pipe Explosion in Midtown

Lois Baumerach, a Pfeiser manager from New Jersey, died of a heart attack following the New York City Pipe explosion at 41 Street and Lexington Avenue on Wednesday. Initially only 12 other persons were reported to have been injured however 24 hours later the reports are that there are over 45 persons injured some with severe burns and three of those are in critical condition. One young man named Greg McCullough who was the driver of the red tow truck still stuck in the hole has burns over 90% of his body. Another person is at NY Presbyterian Hospital and still another person is at Bellevue Hospital. These three people remain hospitalized..

Why this pipe exploded after 83 years is still unknown. The pipe was part of a 100-mile steam pipe that brought energy to buildings since 1882. It is known that the pipe began to leak steam in June 2006 and a section was replaced at that time by Con Edison. Perhaps it was not joined properly. The explosion was caught on tape by surveillance cameras. Two buses just missed being blown up. Persons on the bus reported that cars had started to back up and run into the bus. One woman named Janelle Dixon was in her car during the explosion and said that she fled leaving her purse, car, keys and all. Some businesses have been forced to close

There is a Frozen Zone from 40 Street to 45 Street and from Park Avenue to Third Avenue. Third Avenue was opened just for rush hour traffic today, 24 hours after the explosion. Lexington Avenue from 57 Street to 38 Street is closed. Also, 40 Street to 45 Street is closed and from Madison to 3^rd Avenue is closed.

Out of a total of 71 samples taken, 14 of the 56 samples evaluated so far showed small traces of asbestos. There was some asbestos however reports are that the air is safe to breathe. Even with no asbestos masks and respirators are still being worn by people working and living in the area. One woman reported that the air is thick and is giving her a scratchy throat. She went to the hospital and was told that she was fine but the scratchy throat returned when she returned to the area.

People who live in the area have to stay home or risk not being allowed back in. Some people stranded. The major concern by authorities is that the area is safe. Residents must show proper identification to get into the area and to return to their homes. Windows for those in the area should be closed and their air conditioners should be set to re circulate the air.

One day after the incident, there was gridlock above ground with the traffic and cars but smooth trains below. There was less than normal pedestrian traffic at Grand Central however the trains and subways ran on schedule. Buses were rerouted and some subway riders were annoyed not being immediately directed to proper entrances and exits. The

Metro North was back to normal on the day after the explosion.

Mayor Bloomberg spoke today and thanked all who had worked since accident occurred to assure safety and to clean up. He said that 24 hours ago it was all frightening and serious. Many others were not hurt but were worried. While speaking, all of the audio was lost.

The Department of Environmental Protection conducted two types of testing, Air Quality and Bulk Samples of Air and Dust. 12 samples showed no asbestos. The mayor concluded that the steam and humidity had helped.

The Department of Environmental Protection took 71 bulk samples of Debris and Dust 14 of 56 returned samples tested positive for asbestos. 2 had significant samples of asbestos likely the steam pipe itself. This result was expected he said, it was like testing asbestos for asbestos.

The long term health risk is not expected to be of any concern. Folks are being told to put their soiled clothes in a bag and Con Edison will compensate them for their clothing or to wash the clothing alone in a washer. This is not true about washing however and should NOT be done. Washing will not remove the contaminants. Con Edison will give compensation for the clothing and then will destroy the soiled clothing.

Roofs and broken windows must be tested for asbestos. Owners are responsible to test their buildings and can call 311 for more information. They must have the contaminated areas certified cleaned if asbestos is found. One owner estimated it would cost around $20,000. to clean up his building alone. For updates on local news check the web at nyc.gov or call 311. They are trying to work on shrinking the frozen zones. While speaking it began to rain and Bloomberg requested an umbrella. Reporters said that it was opportune and helped him to not answer questions.

Joe Bruno is coordinating city, state and local agencies. He said that the NYPD is guarding the Frozen Zone perimeter. They are escorting store owners in and out of the area. The Department of Transportation is responsible for the street closures. The Subways have been inspected and are reported to be ok

NYC and Company helped hotel guests to get back to their rooms. Con Edison is repairing the exploded steam main and the crater that it created. The best case scenario is that it will take several days for things to get back to normal. Many buildings have been closed.

Kevin Burk of Con Edison said that two electrical feeders have been restored and stabilized the reliability of electricity. The rest will be repaired tomorrow on 7/20/2007.

Two Con Edison customer service stations have been set up. One is at 42 Street and Madison and another at 45 Street and Madison Avenue. People can bring their soiled clothes in sealed plastic bags and pick up a form to be filled out for reimbursement. Reimbursements for the costs of cleaning to store owners is available as well using these forms. These drop off points will be open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Greg's red tow truck was still in the hole twenty four hours after the explosion. Debris is being brought to the area and is being put into trash bags to wait there at 41^st Street and Lexington for proper disposal.