Gas smell traced to N.J. energy plant

(New York -WABC, March 1, 2006) (WABC) -- A strange, lingering gas leak that wafted across the Hudson River from a natural gas plant prompted the partial evacuation of a dozen buildings in Lower Manhattan, officials said.

The gas was first smelled gas in the area of 5 Hanover Square, near Water Street, just before 11:00 a.m. Firefighters responded and started venting nearby buildings.

People in twelve buildings were partially evacuating themselves, out of 116, 180 and 200 Water streets, 5, 7 and 10 Hanover Square, 111 and 116 John streets, 40 and 49 Fulton Street, 70 Hike Street.

After searching for the source with no success, authorities traced the leak to the Duke Energy Plant in Linden, N.J. Authorities believe natural gas seeped out of the plant and the smell wafted across the Hudson River to Lower Manhattan.

Streets were closed in the Lower Manhattan area.

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