Easton Day Camp Evacuated When Gas Line Struck

EASTON, MA — No one was injured after a gas leak forced the evacuation of hundreds at a camp Friday morning, according to Easton's fire chief.

People have been allowed back into the building at Maplewood Country Day Camp following the leak, which was caused when Columbia Gas workers replacing an outdoor meter accidentally struck a 2 1/4-inch gas line, Fire Chief Kevin Partridge said.

The camp had about 600 children and 200 employees on the property at the time. The offices, a gym, and a cafeteria in the building had to be evacuated. Everyone was ordered to the west side of the camp as a precaution.

"With the number of kids and staffers at the camp, it was important to keep them away from the leak and upwind from the fumes," Partridge said.

Workers shut off the the pipe's gas supply soon after it was struck. Everyone was allowed back into the building shortly after noon.

The pipe was still being worked on as of 2 p.m.

Photos courtesy of Easton Fire Dept.