Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
July 19, 2007

Terrorism Ruled Out in Steam Pipe Explosion
-------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=183226F:A6F02AD83191E160F93B1FFAEBFE85C39574F7DCC14957C0 Mayor Michael
Bloomberg says blast late Wednesday near Grand Central train terminal
was likely caused by cold water seeping into steam pipe New York City
Mayor Michael Bloomberg says a steam pipe explosion in midtown
Manhattan was caused by a failure of infrastructure - and not
terrorism.

The blast near the Grand Central train terminal Wednesday sent a large
column of steam and debris shooting into the air during the afternoon
rush hour.

The explosion initially caused fears of a terrorist attack, and
panicked workers fled the area.  One person died of a heart attack. 
Some 30 other people were injured, some seriously.  







Emergency personnel look over a truck that lies in a hole in the
street after a steam pipe explosion in midtown Manhattan, 18 July 2007

The mayor said the explosion at the 83-year-old steam pipe may have
been caused by cold rain water seeping into the pipe.

Tests of debris show the presence of asbestos, a cancer-causing
material.  City health officials say so far no air samples have tested
positive.

Health officials have urged those who were in the area to isolate
their clothing.  Residents and businesses are also advised to keep
their windows closed.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.




.