Ruptured line forces 15 residents from homes
A ruptured gas line forced residents out of roughly 15 homes near Dire Drive in Hickory Wednesday morning. Officials from Columbia Gas said a contractor struck a line on the street at about 10:30 a.m.
“This is a good time to talk about how important it is to call 811 because that prevents emergencies like this,” said Brynnly Mazzie, community relations specialist for Columbia Gas. The nationwide toll-free number offers information on underground electrical and gas lines for contractors and homeowners who are excavating earth. In Pennsylvania, contractors are required by law to call the number three days before digging.
Mt. Pleasant Township fire and police personnel helped evacuate residents in the area. Many of the evacuees were sheltered at the Mt. Pleasant fire hall for about two hours while Columbia crews repaired the damaged line.
Sandy Thompson was getting ready to go to the chiropractor when police knocked on her door. She said residents were not allowed to start their cars but were taken to the fire hall in chartered busses.
“I really wasn’t scared,” Thompson said. “Everyone was quickly evacuated, and they had everything under control.”
Thompson said gas service was returned to the homes about 6 p.m.