Conn. FFs Check Dozens of Homes After Gas Leak
SOUTHINGTON, Conn. --
Officials in Southington said a gas leak that caused 39 homes to be evacuated on Tuesday morning has been capped.
Southington's fire chief said utility crews were digging Tuesday morning on West Center Street when they hit the large gas main. Officials said the force of the escaping gas sprayed dirt everywhere.
The Southington Fire Department said that on Tuesday night, the leak was capped at about 6:45 p.m. and all residents have been allowed to return home.
Firefighters had gone door to door with gas meters to ensure no homes in the area contained high levels of gas.
Police said those residents who were evacuated -- an estimated 60 to70 families -- were taken to a shelter at the Calendar House Senior Center, located at 388 Pleasant St.
Suzanne Charlton said she was in her car on her way to work when emergency responders started screaming toward her.
"They said, 'Switch the engine off. Get out of the car.' I was kind of like, 'What's going on?'" she said. "It was scary. When I came out of the house I could smell it. There was a strong smell of gas."
Power was also shut off in the area while crews repaired the leak. It has since been restored.
The Southington School System, St. Thomas School and St. Domenic's were notified of the situation and were instructed to keep students who live in the vicinity of the school there until a parent or guardian could pick them up.
Officials from Yankee Gas responded to the scene, and police said the situation was under control.
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