Small Fire, Smoke Condition At WTC Transit Hub Snarls PATH Service During Morning Rush
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A small fire in an electrical closet is to blame for smoke that briefly caused the evacuation of the World Trade Center Oculus and interrupted PATH train service Thursday morning.
Officials said service was suspended for about a half hour on the Newark-World Trade Center and the Hoboken-World Trade Center lines.
"They just said the train was delayed, really no explanation," commuter Nick Pastula told CBS2's Natalie Duddridge. "Kind of frustrating."
"Had to wait about an hour in Jersey City, then I waited another 20 minutes for a PATH train to get me five minutes from Jersey City to here, so that's my morning," said another rider.
Police directed people getting off the nearby subway to go into the street instead of the Oculus mall and transit hub, where there was a slight smell of smoke. Some riders were nervous to see firefighters outside the building.
"I was here this morning, they wouldn't let anybody in," said commuter Rodney Gerald. "Honestly, I was a little concerned."
They were allowed to back in shortly after 9 a.m. after officials say the smoke was cleared and PATH service was restored.
No injuries were reported, but some commuters took to social media to voice their concerns.
Another cause for concern, some commuters say, are the continuing issues at the new facility, including structural problems, leaks and faulty escalators and elevators.
"I'm paying $1 billion for a building and yet, it leaks?" said student Trevor Davis. "It doesn't make sense."
For the latest PATH service information, click here.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
