Charlotte school evacuated because of gas leak

CHARLOTTE — A gas line leak prompted the evacuation of about 2,000 students and staff at a Charlotte high school.

The Charlotte Observer reported that a contractor taking a soil sample Thursday afternoon struck a gas line in the courtyard at Olympic High School.

Firefighters were called to the school in southwest Charlotte after people reported smelling a strong odor of natural gas.

No one was hurt and students and staff members returned to class after firefighters determined the area was safe.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)