Gas leak prompts temporary evacuation at Hackensack University Medical Center, nearby day care
Everyone who was evacuated from the nearby buildings has been allowed back inside and the hospital remains fully open.
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Hackensack University Medical Center was temporarily evacuated Tuesday morning due to a gas leak in a building that was being demolished on the hospital property, according to Capt. Justin Derevyanik of the Hackensack Fire Department.
Everyone who was evacuated from the nearby buildings has been allowed back inside and the hospital remains fully open. Gas service was not disrupted to the hospital or any nearby buildings, according to the Hackensack Fire Department.
The gas leak happened at Johnson Hall, the former dialysis center that was vacated about a year ago. During demolition and unbeknownst to the crew, Derevyanik says the active gas line in the basement was accidentally hit. The contractor called 911 once they hit the gas line and heard the gas leaking.
Derevyanik told News 12 New Jersey that firefighters also evacuated a day care nearby with approximately 50 to 60 children and teachers. He said some personnel were moved from the hospital pavilion into one of the adjacent buildings as a precaution.
The gas leak did not cause a fire and no injuries were reported. It’s unknown how many people were evacuated from Hackensack University Medical Center.
Essex Street was closed for several hours Tuesday morning as crews continued working to resolve the issue.
Derevyanik told News 12 there were no charges or citations expected for the company demolishing the building. He says the company followed all required protocols and had the proper permits.
