Steam Pipe Explosion Releases Asbestos

BOSTON -- Asbestos was released when a steam pipe exploded in Boston on Saturday afternoon, city officials said.

Haz-mat teams were cleaning the area around Merrimac and New Chardon streets.

Asbestos was not in the air, where it would be the most dangerous. It was found on the surrounding roads and buildings.

A geyser of steam ripped through the ground around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Asphalt was sent flying up to 50 feet. A three-story apartment building was evacuated. No injuries were reported.

This was the second explosion that released asbestos into the air in the last month. On Sept. 12, a pipe burst at the corner of Summer and Otis streets in the Financial District. Both explosions involved pipes owned by Trigen Boston Energy Corp.