Longwood Area Evacuated, Reported Gas Main Leak: Boston Fire

BOSTON, MA — Hundreds of people were being evacuated Thursday afternoon near the corner of Brookline Ave. at Pilgrim and Longwood, after a construction crew reportedly ruptured an 8-inch gas main.

No injuries were reported, according to Boston Fire Commissioner Joe Finn.

Boston Fire Department officials said the report of the a gas main leak came in at 11:40 a.m.. Two alarms were pulled for the leak, according to early radio reports, and at least part of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center was being evacuated as a precaution.

"Surrounding buildings being evacuated as precaution. BFD monitoring air quality inside buildings in area," fire officials said on social media, noting that National Grid was working to shut down the gas main.

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Police and fire are asking that folks avoid the area, as Brookline Avenue is shut down between Longwood and Fenway. Watch for traffic delays in both Boston and Brookline.

Brookline police are directing Brookline Avenue East traffic to Aspinwall Avenue and urging folks to avoid Brookline Village if they can.

This is a breaking news alert. More to come as it becomes available.

Check out the overhead view:

Brookline Police are also helping with the traffic overflow.

Photo up top courtesy Boston Fire Department.