Dozens Of Homes In Laurel Still Without Gas

LAUREL, MD -- A gas main damaged last Thursday is still causing problems for Laurel residents, as dozens remain without gas service nearly a week after the incident.

BGE has since repaired or replaced 80 percent of the gas main, which was damaged "when water from a water main break infiltrated the gas system last Thursday evening," according to a BGE statement.

While gas service was expected to be restored to the "vast majority" of customers Tuesday evening, "some isolated outages could extend into later in the week," BGE added.

"Approximately 250 BGE technicians and more than 260 pieces of equipment have been working around-the-clock to restore gas service to approximately 400 customers in a multi-block radius," the statement reads. "Thus far, approximately 2,000 gallons of water has been pumped out of the gas mains. The water main break Thursday night damaged a nearby gas main and forced large amounts of water and debris through the network of gas pipes serving the area."

About 423 customers initially lost gas service. Around 380 customers reportedly have had their service restored since then. WTOP reports that the city and BGE are providing hot meals to those affected.

(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)