Gas leak forces evacuation of office building near PA Capitol

(Harrisburg) -- Authorities say a natural gas leak forced the evacuation of an office building near the Pennsylvania Capitol and, eventually, the early dismissal of many state employees.

Utility workers responded to the report of a gas odor in the basement of the Capitol Complex's North Office Building on this morning.

Department of General Services spokesman Troy Thompson says workers were evacuated around noon. Shortly after, officials decided to send employees home for the rest of the day.

About 400 employees work in the building for the Pennsylvania departments of State and General Services, and for some legislative offices.

Thompson says not all were at work today because of the holidays.

No injuries or illnesses related to the gas odor were reported.