NEW YORK – Fire and emergency crews responded to the scene of a suspected steam explosion near Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan on Wednesday during the evening rush hour, officials said.

The New York Police Department said a steam pipe exploded, and had no immediate detail on possible injuries. The NYPD said it does not appear to be terrorism-related.

A large column of gray steam poured from the vicinity of a building near the train station and the Chrysler Building, and the air near the site was filled with ash.

Thousands of commuters evacuated the train terminal, some at a run, after workers yelled for people to get out of the building.

Witnesses reported that their buildings shook.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)