Steam pipe explosion rocks New York City, no injuries reported

Traffic police reroute the traffic near the spot of a steam pipe explosion in New York, the United States, July 19, 2018. A neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, was rocked Thursday morning when a steam pipe exploded, causing transit disruptions and street closures. No injuries were reported. The cause of the blast is under investigation. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

NEW YORK, July 19 -- A neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, was rocked Thursday morning when a steam pipe exploded, causing transit disruptions and street closures.

The blast occurred at about 6:40 a.m. (1040 GMT) Thursday near Fifth Avenue and 21st Street, just blocks from the iconic Flatiron Building. It left a crater in the middle of the street and sent massive plumes of smoke into the sky over the city.

The New York Fire Department responded to the explosion. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the blast is under investigation.