Gas Leak Update: Evacuated Residents Can Return To Homes In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — People evacuated due to the gas leak in Westfield are now able to return to their homes, Westfield Police announced in an update around 11 a.m.

"Temporary repairs have been made and all emergency services have cleared the scene," said police.

A gas leak was reported by N. Chestnut Street and Maye Street on Tuesday at around 7:34 a.m.

"A contractor working for the gas company caused damage to a gas line in the area of N. Chestnut Street and Maye Street," said Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro.

A police officer was working with the contractor and immediately called a fire department and gas company to respond.

The gas company directed the evacuation of several nearby homes as a precaution measure. About eight homes in total were evacuated, said Battiloro.

As a result of this incident, we received numerous reports of an exterior odor of natural gas in all areas of town, said Battiloro.

Evacuated residents are being permitted to return to their residences.

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