BREAKING: Lightning-caused gas leak evacuates 50 homes in Tillsonburg


BREAKING: Lightning-caused gas leak evacuates 50 homes in Tillsonburg




More than 50 homes in Tillsonburg were evacuated early Sunday morning after a lightning strike severed a gas line.

According to a Facebook Live update from Oxford County OPP and Tillsonburg Fire Rescue early Sunday morning, the evacuation was prompted by a lightning strike at 57 Kara Lane around 3 a.m. It was determined a natural gas line had been severed, prompting the evacuations.

There have been no injuries reported.

According to Tillsonburg Fire Rescue, natural gas was shut off to the area around 5:30 a.m. and shortly after, natural gas was determined to be at a safe level. An evacuation centre was opened for residents at the Tillsonburg Community Centre.

In an update shortly before 7 a.m., Tillsonburg’s deputy fire chief said residents were slowly being allowed to return home to grab pets, medications and other essentials, but were not returning home to stay pending the all-clear from Union Gas, who are on scene.

Natural gas filled several homes and sewers in the area, which causes the threat to public safety.

Cst. Ed Sanchuk with Oxford County OPP outlined several road closures in a Facebook Live early Sunday morning, and said gas will be shut off to the area for 12-14 hours, though police did not give a timeframe for when people would be allowed to return home.

Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

 


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