Volcano-like Steam Pipe Explosion Rocks midtown Manhattan in New York

Volcano-like Steam Explosion Rocks midtown Manhattan in New York

A steam-pipe installed under the ground of New York in 1925 blew up near Grand Central Terminal at about 6 p.m. July 18. The explosion, believed to be caused by cold water in the 24-inch pipe, sparked panic among commuters and sent a geyser of mud, steam and scalding water into the air on 41st Street. White steam clouds rose as high as the nearby 77-story Chrysler Building. It was reported that 20 people were injured and one person died from a heart attack.

It took utility crews about an hour to shut down the pipe. The explosion was not a plotted 911 like terrorism attack. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said there was no reason to believe "this is anything other than a failure of our infrastructure".

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