Gas main break prompts evacuation of part of downtown London

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, ONT. -- Numerous downtown buildings were evacuated Thursday morning after a construction crew hit a major gas main around 11 a.m.

Workers were digging in the area of Albert and Richmond streets when the line was struck.

Gas could reportedly be smelled for several blocks, prompting numerous 911 calls.

London police and London fire crews helped people leave the area and a London Transit Commission bus was brought in to provide shelter.

About 50 people were removed from the area, including those in a dental office and a group home.

Enbridge Gas was called in to repair the break, which took about an hour.

Afterwards everyone was able to return to the homes and businesses in the evacuated area.

VIDEO: Here’s video of the ruptured gas main that forced a temporary evacuation on Albert St in downtown #LdnOnt. STORY HERE: https://t.co/V1dVPdsVMM pic.twitter.com/YQWzDJV8Gl

— Daryl Newcombe (@DNewcombeCTV) April 23, 2020

PLEASE AVOID THE AREA - A gas main has been damaged on Albert Street near Richmond Street. @LdnOntFire is on scene with LPS and @UnionGas. Albert Street has been evacuated between Richmond and Talbot streets. @LTCLdnOnt has been asked to assist with the evacuation. #ldnont pic.twitter.com/9gvkC26P5P

— London Police Service ON (@lpsmediaoffice) April 23, 2020

Active incident: crews on scene of natural gas leak in the area of Albert St and Richmond St. Please avoid this area. Working with partners @lpsmediaoffice @MLPS911 @enbridgegas @LTCLdnOnt More to follow. #ldnont @LPFFA pic.twitter.com/JLzzFVTiVT

— London Fire Department (@LdnOntFire) April 23, 2020

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  Emergency crews work at the scene of a natural gas leak in downtown London, Ont. on Thursday, April 23, 2020. (@LdnOntFire / Twitter)