Gas Leak Triggered Evacuations, Road Closures In Aspen Hill

SILVER SPRING, MD — Traffic was disrupted and a number of residents were evacuated due to a ruptured gas line Tuesday in Aspen Hill, according to authorities.

Around 5:20 p.m., fire crews were called to the area of Layhill and Bonifant roads for a significant gas leak, said Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services. The leak triggered evacuations and road closures.

Update - (initial dispatch ~520p) significant Gas Leak// Layhill Rd/ Bonifant Rd// Confirmed ruptured 8" main, 300 psi, local immediate area being evacuated, some roads closed pic.twitter.com/fzEXuRzbGh
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 11, 2018

Officials said that Washington Gas crews have shut off a nearby valve, stopping the leak. The company provides natural gas to more than one million customers in the D.C. metro area, according to its website.

As a result of the leak, all lanes of Layhill Road at Queensguard Road are closed, officials said. Motorists should expect significant delays and find an alternative route.

Fire and Rescue response closes all lanes of Layhill Rd (MD 182) at Queensguard Rd. Expect significant delays and seek alternate route. #mdtraffic
— MC Emergency Mgmt (@ReadyMontgomery) December 11, 2018

This story will be updated.

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