Service Restored After Gas Line Struck In Lawrence

LAWRENCE, MA —Fifty-three homes were affected Monday when a city contractor struck a low pressure natural gas line on Florence Avenue in Lawrence, officials said. There were no injuries or fires, but Columbia Gas turned off both gas and electric service to the area. Both were restored Monday night, and residents who left their homes were able to return.

The Lawrence Fire Department and Columbia Gas both responded, and emergency responders transported several residents to a nearby warming shelter, at the Arlington Elementary School. Repairs were expected to take 6 to 12 hours, Columbia Gas said.

The fire department provided a bus to the warming shelter, which only 3 people took, said Fire Chief Brian Moriarty. Columbia Gas said that once repairs are completed, they will contact residents to do safety checks and relights.

"An adult age 18 or older must be present at the time of the relight to allow Columbia Gas employees to restore service," they said in a Facebook post. "As a reminder, Columbia Gas employees and contractors carry identification and never ask for payment."

"We offered them the chance to leave, if they wanted," Moriarty said. "As the school day ends and as the workday ends there may be more people who take advantage of that.

The situation was safe, Moriarty said in a tweet.

A contractor has struck a low pressure gas line on Florence Ave today. 53 homes are affected. Shelter is being opened at Arlington St school. No injuries, no fires, fire and gas company on scene situation is safe but will take 6-12 hours to completely repair.
— Chief Moriarty (@Bfmorty) November 18, 2019

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.