Ruptured Gas Line Evacuates Picatinny Buildings

Several buildings at Picatinny Arsenal were evacuated Thursday afternoon after a construction crew ruptured a gas line, a Picatinny public affairs specialist said Friday.

According to Tim Rider, the line was struck Thursday at about 12:30 p.m., and several buildings in the central area of the installation were evacuated."

The Picatinny Fire Department, Picatinny Police Department, Picatinny Arsenal Federal Guard and Picatinny's EMS 1 unit responded, Rider said.

Jefferson, Mount Arlington, Lake Hopatcong and Warton fire departments also responded, Rider said. The Rockaway ambulance and fire departments also responded, as did NJ Natural Gas, Rider said.

The gas leak was contained and confirmed there was no lingering or residual gas, Rider said. The area was considered safe and re-opened at about 3:30 p.m., Rider said.