Gas Leak Forces Evacuations In Howell

Residents of several homes in the Surrey Downs community were evacuated at midday Tuesday due to a natural gas leak, police said,

Howell Township Police received a 911 call reporting an odor of natural gas shortly after noon, Sgt. Eileen Dodd said.

Responding personnel found the natural gas line feeding the meter at 8 Ivy Ridge Close had corroded and ruptured, she said. All residents nearby were evacuated to the community’s clubhouse at the other end of the development, and there were no injuries reported.

Personnel from New Jersey Natural Gas responded and were able to turn off the gas at the street, she said.

Also responding were the Adelphia and Freewood Acres fire departments, Howell Township Police Department EMS and the Howell Township Office of Emergency Management.