Damaged Gas Meter Sparks Evacuations At Brick Plaza

BRICK, NJ — A natural gas leak caused when a contractor struck a gas meter behind LA Fitness prompted the closure of Brick Plaza for about an hour on Thursday morning, Brick Township police said.

While most of the shopping center has reopened, LA Fitness remained closed as of noon. It was not clear how long the fitness facility would remain shut.

The gas leak was reported at 10:44 a.m., Sgt. James Kelly and Fire Safety Bureau Chief Kevin Batzel said, and New Jersey Natural Gas responded quickly and was able to shut off the gas to stop the leak. Police and EMTs responded along with fire personnel from Pioneer Hose, Breton Woods, Laurelton fire departments and the Fire Safety Bureau.

Surrounding stores in Brick Plaza near LA Fitness were evacuated and checked for residual gas that may have accumulated, and all but LA Fitness reopened.

There were no injuries reported on scene, Kelly said.

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