A steam pipe burst in downtown Boston on Wednesday spewing steam and debris into the air, causing the evacuation of several buildings in the area due to the threat of possible asbestos exposure. Although tests have yet to confirm that any asbestos has been released into the air, a representative of Tigren Energy Companies has confirmed that some of the older steampipes are insulated with asbestos. Hazmat crews were quickly on the scene wetting down the area to prevent any more debris from becoming airborne. Two pedestrians and two Tigren workers who were hit with debris from the exploding manhole also had to be hosed down by public safety officials. Cleanup and asbestos testing was to continue in the area around the intersection of Otis Street and Summer Street near Downtown Crossing, where the explosion occurred. The explosion comes just two months after a similar steam pipe rupture in New York City that left one woman dead. Following that incident, Boston's Mayor Menino had called for stricter steam pipe regulations.