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Rockland gas leak prompts evacuations

Homes and businesses on four streets in Rockland were evacuated for about an hour Tuesday morning after a high-pressure gas line was struck by workers in the area, authorities say.

Rockland Fire Lt. John Sammon said National Grid had been doing some work at 81 Park St. near the corner of Howard Street, when workers struck a 2-inch high-pressure gas line about 9:29 a.m. Tuesday.

Sammon said the resulting gas leak was an immediate cause for concern. The area in question has a mix of homes and factories.

“There was a large plume of gas cloud blowing across Howard Street upon our arrival,” he said.

Rockland police and fire departments evacuated homes and workplaces on Howard, Church, Stanton and Everett streets as a precaution.

National Grid shut off the gas at the scene and was able to repair the leak, Sammon said. Police and firefighters checked nearby buildings to make sure they were safe and after about an hour, people were allowed back in, he said.