An investigation into a gas leak forced the evacuation of multiple Washington Heights buildings on Monday, officials say, temporarily displacing nearly 100 people.
A call about elevated gas readings at a mixed-use building on Amsterdam Avenue, between West 158th and 159th streets, came in around 10:30 a.m., officials say. Con Edison and the FDNY were at the scene.
They say three Amsterdam Avenue buildings — Nos. 1989, 1993 and 1984 — were evacuated, impacting roughly 70 people. FDNY units were working with utility employees to find the source of the leak.
Street closures are in effect on Amsterdam Avenue from West 156th Street to West 159th Street while agencies address a gas leak. We will continue monitoring the situation. Please avoid the area if possible.
— Carmen De La Rosa (@CnDelarosa) August 4, 2025
Operations were ongoing hours later. Video posted to the Citizen app showed a heavy emergency response at the scene.
No injuries were reported.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management warned to expected delays in the area.
.@FDNY Activity: Expect road closures & emergency personnel near Amsterdam Avenue & West 159th Street, Manhattan. Use alternate routes.
— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) August 4, 2025