Burst steam pipe injures 2 at NJ laboratory

EDISON, N.J. (AP) -- A steam pipe in a northern New Jersey laboratory ruptured Wednesday, sending two people to the hospital.

The pipe burst in Bentley Laboratories on Fieldcrest Avenue in Edison around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, said Edison police Lt. Sal Filannino.

A 23-year-old man with second- and third-degree burns to his chest, arms and legs was transported by helicopter to St. Barnabas Hospital, Filannino said. He said the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening.

A 50-year-old man was also injured when the other victim bumped into him. He was being treated for a shoulder injury.

It's unclear what caused the steam pipe to burst or what the victims were doing at the time.

The liquid was deemed to be non-hazardous, authorities said.

In addition to the police department, the Edison Fire Department and a hazardous materials team were called to the scene.

A message left with Bentley Laboratories seeking comment was not immediately returned.

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