Residents and students in the Morningside Heights district of Manhattan were forced to evacuate after a high-pressure gas leak was detected Wednesday morning. According to ABC7NY, the leak occurred at the intersection of Broadway and 122nd Street, prompting urgent action by emergency services.
Con Edison was quick to respond, working to contain the leak near one of the neighborhood's cerebral centers, which included the Manhattan School of Music on Claremont Avenue. Subway service on the 1 line experienced temporary suspension between 96th Street, and 168th Street-Washington Heights. Although it later resumed, commuters were advised to expect delays, as crews continued to address the hazardous conditions.
The PIX11, confirmed that the gas line was struck around 10:55 a.m. near 3081 Broadway, closely adjacent to West 122nd Street. This statement echoed the broader concerns of area safety and the urgency of preventive measures.
Despite the potential for harm, no injuries have been reported at the time of the incident. The FDNY mobilized approximately 78 firefighters and EMS personnel to manage the scene and assist with evacuations. The extent of the evacuation was not immediately clear, but it is believed that a significant number of people were prompted to leave their homes and places of work for safety. Con Edison's efforts to shut down the leak were in full swing, working towards a resolution to restore normalcy to the impacted slice of Manhattan, as reported by PIX11.
In the meantime, the FDNY has expanded its investigative reach starting from 125th Street to understand the full scope of the incident. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that residents and visitors to Morningside Heights stay informed and, more importantly, safe.
