A dramatic steam pipe explosion near Fifth Avenue and 21st Street in Manhattan, New York, sent smoke spewing from the ground in shocking images.
The Flatiron commercial neighbourhood is home to the city’s tallest apartment buildings and office high-rises.
The area was shut down after the explosion, which took place at around 6.30am EST, created a large hole in the middle of Fifth Avenue and sent chunks of asphalt into the street.
Reports claim that multiple manholes exploded between West 19th Street to West 21st Street.
No injuries have been immediately reported, but surrounding streets have been cordoned off.
And police are stopping people from entering the area amid concerns
Energy company Con Edison is conducting tests to check for asbestos and other contaminants, according to NBC New York.
The company also urged anyone in the vicinity who was covered in any debris to bag their clothes and shower.
The FDNY decontaminated first responders a few blocks from the scene, and people were seen walking with masks over their faces on Sixth Avenue, apparently concerned about what might be in the air.
The cause of the blast is under investigation.
What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?
Asbestos is a highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics and is used in brake linings and in fire-resistant and insulating materials.
When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air.
When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases.
These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything.