People back home after gas leak evacuations

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) —  People are back in their homes after a gas leak in Southport caused evacuations and road closures.

A Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said officials evacuated the 900 block of East Leonard Street, because of a natural gas leak. More than five homes had been evacuated in the area. Fire Marshal Scott Garner said a crew in the area hit a gas line at East Leonard Street and Jabbertown Road. Those roads in the area were closed for hours.

Todd Coring, Southport Assistant Fire Chief, said the homes were evacuated for people’s safety. Another safety concern they had was the wind.

“Where the gas is actually leaking the wind will carry it a certain direction so that’s always a threat to us, a very high concern we just want to make sure folks are protected in the area,” said Coring.

Coring said they had to turn off the power in the area for safety reasons. The power is back on as well.