Police and utility company searches for source of possible gas leak in north jersey
Photo 124391168 © Viorel Margineanu | Dreamstime.com

Police and utility company searches for source of possible gas leak in North Jersey

Posted by
1 min read
December 23, 2024

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Authorities in Hackettstown and neighboring communities are responding to reports of a strong gas odor that has prompted concern among residents across multiple municipalities.

The Hackettstown Police Department confirmed Thursday that it is working alongside the Hackettstown Fire Department and Elizabethtown Gas to investigate the source of the odor, which has been reported in both local and surrounding areas.

In a statement shared online, police said Elizabethtown Gas is “actively searching for a source” of the odor and urged residents to report outdoor smells directly to the utility company. Indoor odors, however, should prompt a call to 911 in case of emergencies.

The extent of the affected area is still unclear, but authorities assured the public that monitoring efforts are underway. No injuries or evacuations have been reported as of Thursday afternoon.

“Be aware of any indoor odors that may occur,” the police department said in its announcement, emphasizing the importance of immediate action if a gas emergency arises.

Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the gas odor as investigations continue.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Don't Miss