Evacuation ordered after gas leak near New Oxford

(New Oxford) — A natural gas line was damaged Thursday night in New Oxford, Adams County, after a truck backed into it, causing a gas leak and leading emergency officials to evacuate approximately 30 residents in the immediate area.

The driver of the truck was an employee of a contractor performing routine maintenance at a Columbia Gas regulator facility located at 3316 Carlisle Pike. He was uninjured, the gas company said.

The line was damaged at about 7:30 p.m., according to a news release from Columbia Gas. Traffic was closed on Carlisle Pike for several hours, with cars being diverted to Route 30.

Power was also shut off in the vicinity.

“Our number one concern is the safety and protection of life,” said Russell McCutcheon of the Gettysburg Fire Department. “And number two, protection of property.”

Columbia Gas crews were on scene working on a plan to address the leak with eight fire companies from Adams and York counties assisting. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency was working on determining how many homes were evacuated.

Officials expected the leak to be fixed between midnight and 4 a.m. Once the gas was shut off, the area would almost immediately be safe for residents to return home, McCutcheon told reporters.

People were directed to a temporary shelter at the United Hook & Ladder Company in New Oxford and the Red Cross was providing meals on scene for first responders and anyone who was evacuated.

A shelter-in-place order went out to the Brethren Home at Crosskeys Village, which is near the intersection. An automatic recording advised residents to stay inside and keep windows closed.

Some residents found a place to stay for the night with family and friends, officials said.

The Red Cross is assisting in staffing a shelter for those evacuated.

There were no reports of injuries.

At 8 p.m., emergency crews were still arriving. Columbia Gas crews were on scene with backhoes.

John Hartzell, a public information officer with Adams County, was unable to say how long the evacuation would stay in place.

“Until it’s over. Until it’s a safe environment,” Hartzell said. “I’m not sure how long that’s going to be.”

The driver of the white pickup who backed into the gas line stayed on scene, according to McCutcheon. Pennsylvania State Police were on scene investigating.

McCutcheon urged anyone who had to leave their home to call the United Hook & Ladder Company, even if they found another place to stay. The fire department’s number is 717-624-7456.

PEMA also used its emergency alert system to notify residents about the evacuation, McCutcheon said. Local police officers and one Hamilton Township supervisor went door-to-door to make sure residents within a half-mile radius got out.