Crews Contain Natural Gas Leak After Line Severed

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A contractor accidentally struck and severed a two-inch natural gas line Thursday morning, prompting a response from emergency crews and the temporary closure of a section of South Second Street.

The leak was reported around 11 a.m. on South Second Street near East Riverside Drive. The Smithfield Fire Department established a safety perimeter and closed South Second Street between East Riverside Drive and Davis Street.

Smithfield Fire Chief Jeremy Daughtry said firefighters remained on scene until representatives from Piedmont Natural Gas arrived and stopped the leak.

As a precaution, some nearby residents were advised to shelter in place while emergency personnel monitored conditions. Two residents living closest to the damaged line temporarily evacuated their homes until the leak was contained.

No businesses were affected by the incident, and no injuries were reported.

The leak was brought under control in approximately two hours. Emergency crews cleared the scene once the area was deemed safe, although Piedmont Natural Gas personnel remained on site Thursday afternoon to make permanent repairs to the damaged line.