Gas Leak Evacuates 20 Passaic Co. Homes

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A broken propane tank resulted in a gas leak in Passaic County on Monday, forcing 20 homes in the area to be evacuated.

On Monday morning, a contractor had struck a buried propane tank near 290 High Crest Drive in West Milford, causing the leak, according to Mayor Michele Dale.

As emergency personnel arrived, 20 homes in the surrounding area were evacuated to the High Crest Clubhouse, the mayor said.

Passaic County Hazmat is monitoring the area's air quality, and residents were told that they would not be allowed in their homes for an additional two hours, according to an update from Dale.

West Milford police said that High Crest Drive is closed at #273 to the intersection of High Crest Drive and Upper High Crest Drive, and will be closed for several hours.

Dale added that there is no threat to the students or staff of a nearby school.

She also said that emergency responders will not need to enter the evacuated homes to conduct gas meter tests. If there is an instance where officials need to enter a home, the residents will be notified beforehand.