So around 6:05 this evening a huge steam pipe exploded in Midtown Manhattan at East 41st and Lex/3rd Ave.
Just an unbelievable sight. I'm switching around channels but mainly kept on Channel 7. Didnt see any of the ENG
copters airborne so I have to figure they are down due to weather. Then on ABC at around 7PM anchorman Bill Ritter
said they have just seen the first NYPD helicopter on scene with FDNY officials aboard surveying the area. He started
complaining that it took about an hour and 5 minutes to get this helicopter airborne with FDNY aboard and he lamented
that maybe we didnt learn anything from 9/11 about a quick response with both agencies working together. I started
thinking well I dont see YOUR helicopter and maybe the weather had grounded PD/AU as well. Thankfully NYPD
spokesperson Paul Brown had also heard Ritter and he QUICKLY corrected Ritter telling him that THREE (3) NYPD
helicopters were airborne within 10 minutes of the incident with one (probably the command & control 412, N23FH)
relaying pictures to ground units AND FDNY was aboard.
Knucklehead media.
Fox 5 SkyFOX 5 was the first ENG on scene around 7:15 or so and Newscopter 7 didnt get on scene until about
7:55. I dont think NBC or CBS even went airborne. These ships fly out of NJ so maybe the weather was bad over
across the Hudson.
The one incredible picture was of the red tow truck IN the crater!! That was wild.
What a day with the crazy T-storms this morning now this.
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