Gas Leak In Warren Monday Afternoon: News Sources

WARREN, RI — A gas leak in Warren forced residents and some businesses to evacuate Monday afternoon, according to WJAR-TV and WPRI-TV. But according to National Grid spokesman Tim Rondeau, the danger is over. Everyone was allowed to return to their homes and companies around 3:45 p.m. However, about 100 customers are without gas service, which cannot be restored while the repairs are underway.

Patch contacted the company for details. Rondeau said a third-party contractor hit one of the utility's gas mains and caused the problem around 1:30 p.m. Monday.

The accident happened near the intersection of Baker and Water streets. The Warren Fire Department evacuated about 50 people, he said, "to err on the safe side." The company did need to shut off the gas, and that is why some customers lost service.

"We needed to close some valves," he said. "Once we have shut down those," he added, the repairs can start.

Meanwhile, National Grid has supervisors and damage prevention staff at the site. They are working with police and fire to monitor the situation.

Patch will update this story when information becomes available.