UPDATE- Evacuations underway at preschool and other businesses after Brunswick County gas leak

-UPDATE- NC Highway 211 is now open in both directions

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — NC Highway 211 is closed from NC 133 to St. James Dr. due to a gas leak according to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and the town of Oak Island.

Area neighborhoods and businesses are currently being evacuated until the leak can be contained. 

Grace Community Church PreSchool and 2 blocks of Dutchman Acres Lane have been evacuated according to the Southport Police Department. Total evacuees, 19 children and 39 adults.

Please avoid the area and use alternate routes.

Containment may take several hours.

A detour has been established through Oak Island, using E Oak Island Drive. Please avoid all unnecessary travel through this area, to allow for both detour and evacuation traffic to move as freely as possible.

The sheriff’s office will update when the road will be open.