ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Steam filled the air outside the emergency department at Strong Memorial Hospital on Monday.

Hospital officials say a steam distribution line burst, sending steam and debris flying through the air near the entrance to the emergency department.

News10NBC’s photojournalist at the scene saw rocks and dirt also being spewed around the area, coating nearby ambulances and cars. One piece of debris broke a nearby car window.

The hospital ensures this did not affect any patient care, although the emergency department was temporarily placed on diversion.

The hospital says in part:

“The steam was shut off within an hour. No one was hurt, no patient has been turned away, and care has continued inside the hospital, including the ED, without interruption. However, the Strong Memorial ED was placed temporarily on diversion, meaning ambulances and EMS helicopters were not able to bring patients while the site was being assessed and clean-up work began.”

The diversion ended around 2 p.m. and emergency patients are being brought in through the hospital’s main lobby as the hospitals works to reopen the regular emergency department entrance.