Recovery from Hurricane Sandy continues in Hudson County 45 Gallery: Recovery from Hurricane Sandy continues in Hudson County

Residents who lined up for free gas were furious when authorities shut down a charity gas provider for unsafely passing out the much needed fuel this afternoon in Hoboken.

Around 5 p.m. at the intersection of Washington Street and Observer Highway, hundreds of people equipped with gas containers and large water jugs were angry when fire officials showed up and closed the Fuel Relief Fund tanker truck for improperly distributing gasoline.

Fuel Relief Fund is an organization that provides free fuel in disaster areas.

Hoboken Public Safety Director Jon Tooke said he arrived on the scene after he was informed by fire officials that someone spilled the free gas in their home after improperly storing it in an open water jug. He added that the city decided to close the free gas provider to avoid fire hazards.

“These people are carrying flammable substances in an unacceptable way. They are carrying them into buildings and put people in immediate threat,” said Tooke.

Ted Honcharik, Fuel Relief Fund chairman, said authorities informed him of the spill and he understands the need to put safety first. He added that typically gasoline is only passed out to those with gas containers but he said he decided to make an exception when many people showed up with only water jugs

“It’s understandable and it’s unfortunate,” said Honcharik, who arrived with the free gas from California yesterday and began passing out the fuel to residents this morning.

However, people waiting on a line that stretched several city blocks were upset when they heard the news and were reluctant to leave.

Among them was Paula Gonzalez, 35, of Grand Street and her friend Michelle who waited five hours hoping to fill three gas containers.

“One person spilled it, something happened with the fire department, and they closed it for everybody. Those of us who had proper containers got screwed,” said Michelle.