Route 79 In Marlboro Area Shut, Evacuations After Gas Line Struck

A Monmouth County highway was closed Thursday and evacuations were underway after a crew struck a high-pressure gas line, according to reports.

Route 79 between Tennent Road and 520 was closed in both directions because of a gas leak, according to Marlboro officials. Detours in place, and police are on scene.

The roadway is expected to be closed throughout the day on Thursday.

Residents were asked to avoid the area, Marlboro officials said. At least one home was evacuated.

The crew was doing road work when they hit the line near Church Lane around 11 p.m. No one was hurt, police said.

New Jersey Natural Gas is on the scene to assess what repairs are needed, police said.

This is a developing story. We'll have more information as it comes in.