July 18, 2007

Grand Central evacuated after explosion; not terror

There has been a big explosion -- possibly caused by a steam pipe or transformer -- in Midtown and Grand Central terminal has been evacuated along with the surrounding neighborhood.

There are at least four injuries, NY1 is reporting.

WABC-TV has the incident pegged at 370 Lexington, map.

See Gothamist for the AP picture that's an eerie reminder of Sept. 11.

In addition to the transit delays caused by the flooding from this morning's storm, the explosion adds even more subway diversions. See the MTA's real-time subway diversion page. Also for LIRR service.

Metro-North is running normally, according to the New York Times.

WABC's live footage (at 7:25) shows plumes of steam still spewing from a hole and at least some police nearby are starting to don breathing masks. Con Ed has shut down the steam feeder at that location, a fire spokesman just told the reporter.

The mayor is expected to hold a news conference at 8 p.m.

Tons of pictures at flickr.

The first 911 call came in at 5:58 pm, NYPD deputy commissioner Paul Browne told WNBC.

At about 8 p.m., WNBC reported there has been one fatality. The station's helicopter camera (screengrab at left,) shows a tow truck sitting in water at the bottom of a crater. At left, you can see the top of the Chrysler Building.

Related: Emergency resources travel links for NYC

July 18, 2007 06:55 PM in Transportology

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