LYNN – Dozens of homes in Lynn were evacuated Monday afternoon after construction workers hit a natural gas line, causing a leak. It happened on Orchard Street, between Summer Street and Aspen Street.
Lynn Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan said more than 50 people were evacuated before crews could stop the leak.
CBS Boston
About 2:30 p.m., a construction contractor struck a 6-inch high-pressure gas line. About 30 firefighters went from house to house checking for gas, and a temporary shelter was opened at a church on Elmwood Avenue.
“We are very lucky”
Chief Sullivan said most of the gas went into the atmosphere through the hole in the street. “If it was blocked somehow, the force could keep it underground and then it could find its way into the basements, and then we have potentially explosive conditions,” Sullivan said. “So we’re very lucky with the conditions here.”
National Grid crews were eventually able to stop the gas flow and residents were allowed to return to their homes.
The Rodriguez family left their home with their pets for about two hours. “I was shocked. Very surprised,” Angel Rodriguez said. “I rushed. I didn’t have time to put on my shoes. That was surprising because I know gas leaks are dangerous because they can cause explosions.”
