Major Gas Leak Leads To Evacuations In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — A huge gas leak has led to evacuations in Philadelphia Thursday.

The leak began at about 8:25 a.m. when a private contractor struck a gas main near 18th Street and Olney Avenue, according to Philadelphia Gas Works.

The Philadelphia Fire Department evacuated individuals in the area out of an abundance of caution.

That included students at Central High School and residents of a nearby adjacent apartment complex, NBC10 reports. La Salle University also canceled its classes until noon due to the leak, according to Action News.

At about 10 a.m., the fire department said the incident was placed under control.

The fire department was still on the scene at the time to check on gas level readings as of about 11 a.m., the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management said.

Philadelphia Gas Works is working to restore gas service in the area.

Emergency Management Liaison Officers are on-site for needs of first-responders and residents, officials said.

The public is being asked to avoid 16th Street and Olney Avenues, 20th Street and Olney Avenues, Ogontz and Summerdale avenues and Ogontz and Chew avenues, according to the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.

No one was reported injured.