Cause of Friday Evacuation at NJNG Remains a Mystery

Three days after a mystery sickness suddenly knocked out 17 employees at the New Jersey Natural Gas offices, it’s back to business as usual, a company spokesman said Monday. 

There is no explanation as to what caused the evacuation of the gas company’s 250 employees when 17 of their workmates reported a sudden dizziness and nausea that send a dozen to the hospital.

NJNG officials said private contractors were in the Wyckoff Road building this weekend, checking for air quality problems. None was found, said Michael Kinney, NJNG spokesman.

No air problems were found during a sweep of the building on Friday, either, Kinney said.

“After all of the testing by NJNG first responders, Wall Fire and PD, Monmouth County HazMat and the outside contractors we brought in over the weekend, no cause was found,” Kinney said. “I don't know what to chalk it up to, but we know the air quality is clear and we're back to normal business.”

Employees began to complain of dizziness and nausea shortly after 10 a.m. Friday. EMS, fire and HAZMAT teams converged on the offices and all 250 employees were evacuated.

No cause was found and the building was re-opened around 2 p.m., police have said.