Leather District building evacuated, street shut when steam pipe bursts

Firefighters began evacuating 76 South Street around 9:40 a.m. when a steam pipe under the street failed as only a steam pipe can, turning the building into an instant shvitz with steam pouring into it.

A hazmat team was also called in, because old pipes could be lined with asbestos.

Firefighters discovered that, in addition to the steam pipe, a water main under the street is also broken, causing a roughly 100-foot-long crack in the asphalt.