Crews repair ruptured steam pipe in Boston

BOSTON -- Hazardous materials crews investigated a ruptured steam pipe in downtown Boston Thursday morning.

Harrison Avenue by the Boston Herald remained closed Thursday morning as crews worked to repair the pipe.

Air quality tests determined that the escaped steam did not send asbestos into the air.

A security guard snapped a photo showing a thick cloud of steam billowing out of a manhole in the street.

The powerful explosion caused debris to cover the cars and the pavement to buckle.

“It was tons, tons of smoke. It might have been right where the fire truck is now, up until maybe this one, two, third light pole. Couldn’t see anything,” said a Boston Herald Guard.

Fire officials said their biggest concern was asbestos leaking into the air.

“The least of our worries is steam, but the most of our worries is the pipes may be contaminated with asbestos, so when it pops up it gets into the environment, so we just want to make sure that it is in fact just steam and not any asbestos,” said Boston Fire Dept. Chief Andre Stallworth.

No injuries were reported.

Investigators are trying to determine what caused that pipe to burst.

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