At least 12 steam pipe explosions have occurred in New York City since 1987 . The most recent incident was the 2018 Steam Pipe explosion which occurred in the Flatiron District and forced the evacuation of 49 buildings . The explosion released concrete , asphalt , " asbestos-containing material " and mud into the air . The asbestos cleared out of the air to safe-level . A previous incident was the 2007 New York City steam explosion , and another on June 28 , 1996 , at a plant on East 75th Street
2007 New York City steam explosion
2007 New York City steam explosion
New York City steam system