Major Pittsburgh-Area Gas Leak Prompts Evacuation Of 100 Homes

COLLIER TOWNSHIP, PA — Residents of about 100 homes were evacuated early Wednesday after a contractor hit a high-pressure gas line.

It happened around 12:15 a.m. at the intersection of Washington Pike and Vanadium Road, according to the Presto Volunteer Fire Department.

"Major gas leak," a post on the department's Facebook page stated at around 4:30 a.m. "Avoid the area. Evacuation center open at Presto VFD hall."

Residents since have been told they can return to their homes, but might be without gas or electric service until line repairs are repeated.

Traffic on Washington Pike will be restricted to one lane in each direction at least through the morning rush hour.

Chartiers Valley School District officials issued a statement saying some school bus transportation delays could occur this morning and the district will attempt to use alternate routes to transport students to school.