A steam pipe explosion in Boston led to spray of asbestos contaminated water and debris over the Otis Street of Boston. Due to the explosion, Otis Street was closed to pedestrians and other people that caused problems for commuters who needed to pass this busy intersection at Otis Street and Summer Street.
Eye witnesses say that the explosion took place around lunch time and left people working near by stunned and shocked. According to one witness, she saw huge steam rising from the man hole going up at least 10 or 11 stories high. According to reports, at least 5 people had to be given emergency treatment to decontaminate them from the asbestos water and debris that were present at the site of explosion when it occurred. Four people are reported to be taken to hospital but none of the injuries were life threatening. The only danger here is exposure to asbestos that took place when the explosion occurred as asbestos exposure can create a risk for mesothelioma cancer and other fatal lung diseases.
The reason behind explosion of steam pipe remains a mystery as authorities are still looking for the trigger that sent asbestos contaminated water and debris over the busy street. Health officials from the state department and other workers are collecting dust and air samples to check out the extent of asbestos contamination in the debris while the cleaning is still in progress.
