Chesterfield homes evacuated after construction crew cuts gas line

Chesterfield homes evacuated after construction crew cuts gas line

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Nearby Chesterfield County residents have been evacuated after a construction crew accidentally cut a gas line Wednesday afternoon, causing a gas leak.

Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, firefighters with Chesterfield County Fire and EMS were called to the intersection of Charter Landing Drive and Charter Walk Lane in the Midlothian area of the county for a reported gas leak.

Scene of a June 4 gas leak on Charter Landing Drive. (Photo: Jakobi Davis/8News)

Scene of a June 4 gas leak on Charter Landing Drive. (Photo: Jakobi Davis/8News)

Scene of a June 4 gas leak on Charter Landing Drive. (Photo: Jakobi Davis/8News)

Scene of a June 4 gas leak on Charter Landing Drive. (Photo: Jakobi Davis/8News)

Scene of a June 4 gas leak on Charter Landing Drive. (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)

Scene of a June 4 gas leak on Charter Landing Drive. (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)

Officials at the scene told 8News that a construction company was burrowing into the ground when crews accidentally hit a gas line, causing it to leak.

Three nearby homes have been evacuated, according to a fire spokesperson. The public is asked to avoid the scene as Columbia Gas works to repair the gas line.

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The surrounding area has been blocked off by fire crews. These closures are expected to remain in place until about 6 p.m. -- though they may last longer.