Smoke Scare In the Statue Of Liberty Forces Evacuation

NEW YORK (WPIX) - A smoke scare prompted an evacuation at the Statue of Liberty Wednesday afternoon, PIX 11 News has learned.

According to National Parks of NY Harbor Superintendent David Luchsinger, a faulty sensor in an elevator shaft detected smoke, leading officials to evacuate the iconic monument at around 1:18 p.m.

An investigation later determined that there was never any smoke, despite what the sensor indicated.

Air 11 was over the scene as visitors were forced to leave the area. It is unclear how many people were visiting during the time of the incident.

The monument was later reopened after being declared safe, officials said.

No injuries were reported.

The Statue of Liberty reopened its doors to tourists on July 4 2009, after having been closed to the public for eight years following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Although the base, pedestal and outdoor observation deck were reopened in 2004, the crown remained off-limits to visitors.

Ironically, the crown remained closed because the narrow, double-helix staircases were deemed unsafe for evacuations, and didn't comply with fire and building codes. Officials have since installed new handrails to assist with the climb. Visitors - up to 30 per hour - are allowed up the dark, small staircase while being led by park rangers.
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