About 75 people forced to evacuate Richmond homes after city contractor hit gas line

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- About 75 Richmond residents were forced out of their homes Friday evening after a city contractor hit a gas line while working. 8News went to the scene on West 49th Street near Westover Hills Boulevard the evening of Friday, Nov. 8, after hearing about possible evacuations. Crews with the Richmond Fire Department, as well as the city's Department of Public Works, responded to the area to handle a gas leak after an incident involving a city contractor. According to the battalion chief, a contractor working in the area hit one of the gas lines while digging, causing it to break and begin leaking gas. 25-year-old woman shot dead at her Chesterfield home, boyfriend charged with murder A total of 35 homes were evacuated as a result of the leak, with the battalion chief telling 8News this involved about 75 people. Within the next hour and a half, residents were allowed back into their homes and the gas line was repaired. No further information is available. This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.