The Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, but it was evacuated Monday due to a fire that broke out at a construction site on the island.
MORE Impacting Travel
According to Reuters.com, the blaze broke out Monday at around 12 p.m. local time on Liberty Island near three propane gas cylinders found on a construction site. Officials called for an evacuation “out of an abundance of caution.”
In total, around 3,400 tourists and employees visiting the Statue of Liberty were ferried off the island to nearby Ellis Island.
New York Fire Department spokesman Jim Long told Reuters the fire left one construction worker injured and forced officials to use two fire boats to stop the flames. The blaze was brought under control by the early afternoon.
Assistant Fire Chief Roger Sakowich said on Twitter that if the propane tanks exploded, it would have been catastrophic.
https://twitter.com/FDNY/status/1034140080124977152?ref_src=twsrc^tfw” rel=”nofollow
Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty reopened later Monday afternoon and tourists are once again allowed to visit the historical site.
Actress Selma Blair was arrested on Sunday after a violent incident aboard a Delta Air…
What is it really like to cruise to the Arctic? Join travel expert and…
**Are some of the world's most popular travel destinations actually overrated?** Before you book your…
**Do you really need travel insurance? What does it actually cover?** We're opening The Jet…
**You've got travel questions, and we've got answers!** It's time to open The Jet Set…
**What's trending in travel, fitness, and wellness?** From healthier habits to new approaches to staying…