Moores Mill Road Reopens After Gas Leak

BEL AIR, MD — A gas leak closed part of Moores Mill Road for more than two hours Friday afternoon, causing modifications for some residents and students.

By 3:23 p.m., the road was open firefighters had cleared the scene, according to Jenn Chenworth, spokeswoman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

A 4-inch gas main had been struck in the area of Moores Mill Road at Broadway before 1 p.m. Chenworth described the situation as "serious."

During the incident response, Moores Mill Road was closed between MD 22 and Broadway.

The road had reopened as of 3:35 p.m., the Harford County Sheriff's Office reported.

As crews handled the incident, residents had been advised to shelter in place, although officials said there was no threat in the area.

Southampton Middle School let out students starting at 2:45 p.m. in staggered dismissals.Instructions for parents are below the map, at the end of the article.

Southampton Middle School posted the following to its Facebook page at approximately 2:30 p.m.:

"BG&E has determined that it is safe to lift the shelter in place. We plan to dismiss at 2:45. We will have a staggered dismissal so please be patient. Students in the Amyclae neighborhood will be provided HCPS transportation home today. There has been no decision made about the 8th grade dance at this time."

The Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association advised the following for Southampton pickup:

"Southampton Middle School is being monitored by BGE. For those going to pick up their children please note the following instructions to get your child.

"Report to Broadway and contact the Harford County Sheriff's Office at location who will then allow you to utilize the pathway stairs (for walkers) to the school.

"Bus riders are being coordinated between the Harford County Public Schools transportation and the HCSO. At this time buses will standby on Broadway and be allowed into the side lot of the school for dismissal. One bus at a time will be directed through.

"We understand this is a serious incident with a 4" gas main that was struck. All agencies at location are doing what is in the best interest of releasing students from the school. Please [bear] with those on location in the above procedures. All agencies have taken into consideration the safety and orderly manner of dismissing students from location."