Ruptured gas line repaired after forcing evacuations

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A ruptured gas line is repaired after an early morning leak in Porters Neck forced evacuations Monday.

Firefighters say Piedmont Natural Gas crews assessed the scene in the 1200 block of Porters Neck Road, near Plantation Village, and were able to stop the leak.  Firefighters say construction crews in the area hit a 2-inch gas line with a backhoe.

Fire crews and EMS were standing by until the gas company could assess damage. Employees and residents were given the all-clear to return to their offices and apartments after being evacuated about an hour after the leak was discovered.

No one is hurt, and firefighters said the public was not in danger.