NEW YORK: An unusual odor pervaded over most parts of Manhattan and New Jersey Monday, leading to evacuations from several buildings and a major traffic jam on the main streets. The odor disappeared after a period of time but it played its part in creating an alert in the busy business area.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said there was a small gas leak in Greenwich Village and officials are trying to find out the origin of the odor. However, the city's utility company denied there was any gas leak at the facility.
At least seven people have been reported to be hospitalized in New Jersey.
Bloomberg told a news conference it could be an unpleasant smell but is not dangerous. He also said the city's air sensors did not report any elevated level of natural gas.
The odor was experienced by people from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan to Midtown. It was also felt at Central Park, across the width of the island, and in New Jersey.
A U.S. department of homeland security spokesperson said there is no indication of any terrorism connection.
The unusual development led to a temporary suspension of part of the New York-New Jersey PATH commuter train system as a precaution. However, normal services were resumed soon. The city too returned to normal and the odor vanished on its own.
Meanwhile, authorities are trying to identify the source of the odor. Gas supplier Consolidated Edison, which has its gas pipes laid in much of New York City, said it is investigating the reports. The company said there were no signs of any abnormal flow of gas in Manhattan.
