Two Manhattan office buildings were evacuated when a gas leak sent gas levels soaring inside, prompting concerns over a possible explosion, the FDNY says.
Firefighters were called to the buildings on Seventh Avenue near 37th Street after people inside the commercial buildings reported smelling gas.
Officials found a gas leak from an 8-inch main on 37th Street.
With gas readings were at their maximum levels inside the nearby buildings, firefighters became concerned about a possible explosion and evacuated the two buildings, with about 400 to 500 people forced to leave, the FDNY said.
Con Edison crews have repaired the leak but gas will remain shut off to 498 W. 37th Street, officials said. It's unclear when it will be turned back on.
After being closed for hours as crews attended to the gas leak, 37th Street between 7th and 8th avenues was reopened later in the night.
