5 Buildings Evacuated After Gas Leak Near Tribeca Synagogue

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The FDNY evacuated five buildings in Tribeca Thursday evening, after a gas main ruptured outside a synagogue.

Around 6:10 p.m., an odor of gas was reported in the The Civic Center Synagogue, a two-story structure at 47 White St., the FDNY told CBS2.

Con Edison and FDNY companies reported to the scene, and about 50 people were evacuated from five buildings -- including the synagogue -- around 8:30 p.m., officials said.

Con Ed later located the gas leak in a 6-inch cast iron main on the block.

As CBS2's Brian Conybeare reported, Con Edison crews were digging up White Street to repair the leak.

"I was opposite the synagogue and I said, 'I can't stay here?' And they said, 'No you can't, because we're afraid of an explosion," evacuated resident Alice Proskauer said.

"I'd rather feel as if I were safe, than get blown up," added Tribeca resident Andy Chapman.

As of 11:00 p.m. Thursday, firefighters had reopened the street and people were being allowed back inside their homes.