Early Thursday afternoon, staff at the summer baseball camp at SUNY Old Westbury noticed an unusual odor and heard a hiss near the athletic complex. Within minutes, emergency protocols were activated, and more than 50 children were escorted to safety as a precaution.
Investigators determined that a contractor working on nearby infrastructure had inadvertently struck a high‑pressure gas main that supplies both the scientific laboratories and the athletic facilities. The breach prompted an immediate shutdown of the affected utilities.
Rapid Response by National Grid
National Grid crews arrived on scene within the hour, securing the damaged line and performing emergency clamps to stop the flow of gas. The utility’s spokesperson confirmed that repairs were underway throughout the evening, with engineers working to isolate the affected segment and prevent further leakage.
By early Saturday morning, National Grid announced that the pipe had been fully repaired and that gas service to the scientific and athletic buildings had been restored. University officials praised the swift coordination between campus staff, the Nassau Fire Marshal's Office, and the utility, noting that the prompt response prevented any injuries.
The incident underscores the inherent risks of construction near critical infrastructure and highlights the importance of robust safety protocols. While the camp’s schedule will see a brief adjustment, organizers remain confident that the temporary disruption will not diminish the overall experience for the participants.