The steam pipe explosion in downtown Baltimore in mid-June was caused by a thinning pipe, officials said.
At least five people were hurt and a large crater was left on Eutaw St. between Pratt and Lombard following the blast on June 20 that rained debris on cars and passersby.
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Veolia North America, the energy company that installed and maintained the steam pipe that exploded under Eutaw street, said the explosion was a “rare and isolated event,” caused by “abnormal pipe wall thinning.”
In order to protect against future thinning, the existing cast iron pipe was replaced with ductile carbon steel, Veolia said.
Karen Colangelo, a Veolia spokeswoman, emphasized that steam is a safe and sustainable form of energy.
“Safety is, without question, the highest priority at Veolia. We fully believe that the system is safe, and we are committed to using best practices to maintain its safety,” she said.
