Gas Leak Prompts Endicott Evacuation

A few Endicott residents were evacuated after a NYSEG high-pressure natural gas line was ruptured Thursday afternoon.

Endicott Fire Department Lieutenant Daniel Williams says the incident, which happened at East Main Street and Arthur Avenue, was reported at noon.

East Main Street was closed between Adams and Jackson avenues for about 90 minutes.

Williams said people who lived closest to the broken gas line were evacuated as a precaution. He said the leaking gas created a loud, hissing sound.

The odor associated with natural gas also was strong in the area near the ruptured line.

Endicott firefighters and police officers secured the area while NYSEG crews worked to shut off the gas line.

East Main Street was reopened to traffic around 1:30 p.m.

NYSEG spokesman Clay Ellis says a contractor has been working to replace natural gas lines in the area. He says one of the crews accidentally hit one of the old mains. A two-inch steel main was ruptured, resulting in the leak.

Ellis says three homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Natural gas service to nine NYSEG customers was shut off while repairs were being made.