Homes evacuated after gas main ruptures

Homes in the area of Neptune Boulevard and East Harrison Street were briefly evacuated on Tuesday after a high-pressure gas main ruptured during road repairs.

The Long Beach Fire Department responded to the scene just before noon and evacuated a number of homes in the immediate area as a precaution as National Grid made repairs. East Elementary School was also notified of the incident, according to the city's and the Fire Department’s Facebook pages.

"The contractor working on Neptune Boulevard accidentally ruptured a high-pressure gas main moments ago,” the city said on Facebook. “National Grid and the Fire Department were immediately notified to assess the situation. As a safety precaution, homes in the immediate area, near Harrison Street, are being temporarily evacuated by the Long Beach Fire Department. We would encourage residents in this neighborhood to close windows until the smell of gas dissipates from the air.”

The city added that the leak was temporarily plugged while National Grid crews worked on the gas main, and the Fire Department remained on the scene until permanent repairs were made. National Grid secured the leak shortly afterward.

"We are advised that there is no longer any need for concern for residents in the area," the city said.