Street Closures in Hilton Neighborhood Today

Driving around Maplewood's Hilton neighborhood was a little challenging late this morning as emergency vehicles closed a portion of Rutgers Street at Newark Way, and road work diverted eastbound traffic on Springfield Avenue.

According to Maplewood Fire Deputy Chief Tom McNulty, fire personnel responded to a report of a hazardous chemical leak at a facility on Rutgers Street just after 11 a.m. "Fortunately," said McNulty, "we found it was just a water leak."

Captain Joseph Callaghan elaborated, "They had an unknown liquid leaking from the third floor into a second floor business. It was originally dispatched as formaldehyde. The building was evacuated by Deputy Chief McNulty, and Nutley haz mat was requested."

Callaghan reported that Engine 32 made entry in full protective gear and investigated the leak, and found that it was not coming from the industrial facility on the 3rd floor but from a leaking pipe located between the floors. "Nutley tested the liquid to make sure it was neutral to confirm that it was water. The employees were then allowed back into the building."

Callaghan noted that in such instances, "You ALWAYS have to err on the side of caution when it is a reported unknown chemical." Nutley Haz Mat is the designated response unit for Essex County and will respond to any incident.

Occupants were being allowed back into the building shortly before noon and Rutgers Street was re-opening.

The work on Springfield Avenue, on the other hand, looks like it will be ongoing for some time.