Gas line repaired in Delaware, officials urge residents to wait for 'all clear'

Update 4:46 p.m. Nov. 1 - Officials have told ABC 6 that the damaged gas line on Joy Avenue has been made safe. They will soon start allowing evacuated residents to return to their homes. Impacted residents will be receiving a call from a Columbia care team representative to start the process.

If a safety check is completed prior to their return, the care team representative will let them know. If a safety check has not yet been completed a field technician will meet them at their home to perform a safety check prior to re-entry.

The officials emphasized that residents should not return to their homes until they are advised to do so.

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Original Reporting

A construction crew struck a gas line on Thursday, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents and the closure of the intersection at Joy Avenue and Lake Street. The area remains closed as repairs continue.

According to Columbia Gas, approximately 30 homes have been evacuated.

Residents reported the gas leak as "very loud." Columbia Gas initially informed residents that the leak would be resolved by 11 a.m. on Friday, but the timeline has now been extended to the evening. Power in the area has been turned off as crews attempt to make repairs.

Columbia Gas said in a statement, "Columbia Gas continues to make repairs to a gas line ruptured Thursday and is working with affected residents."

The company has set up a phone line at 1-800-344-4077 for residents seeking information on lodging and other reimbursement claims.

Columbia Gas expressed hope that residents would be able to return to their homes by this evening. The company advised residents needing to enter their homes for medication, clothing, or other necessities to contact a Columbia Gas employee or a fire department member on-site for assistance.

ABC 6 spoke with Charles and Judy Zech, who live in the area that was evacuated on Thursday.

A spokesperson from the Delaware County Fire Department told ABC 6 they are starting to allow some residents back into their houses on Joy Avenue. However, there's still an evacuation zone for some of the homes.