Gas evacuates Syosset building

A two-story Syosset office building was evacuated Friday when batteries powering the computer system overheated, creating flammable hydrogen-sulfide gas, Nassau County fire officials said.

Fire and police responded at about 11 a.m., and nearly 100 employees of the North Shore Atrium, at 6800 Jericho Tpke., were evacuated, said Vincent McManus, spokesman for the Nassau County fire marshal's office.

McManus said three office workers were taken to nearby hospitals. He did not have information on their conditions. Several other workers were treated at the scene.

The building had been without electrical power for several days because of Tropical Storm Irene, McManus said, and officials were trying to determine if the recharging process was a factor in the batteries overheating.

The Syosset and Jericho fire departments responded, along with Nassau County police, ambulance and the county's hazardous materials team, McManus said.

He said the Nassau County Department of Health would inspect the office complex before allowing the employees to return to work.

The state Department of Health website said hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with a rotten-egg odor; exposure to high levels can causes muscle cramps, low blood pressure, slow respiration and loss of consciousness.