Southampton Main Street Reopens After Gas Line Break

UPDATE: Shortly before 2 p.m., Main Street was reopened to pedestrians and firefighters prepared to leave the scene. Nugent Street was reopened a bit later, allowing time for firetrucks to pack up.

Previously:

Excavation workers broke a gas main while digging in the area behind on Main Street in Southampton Village on Tuesday afternoon, causing the Southampton Fire Department to evacuate Main Street, Southampton Fire Chief Rodney "Chip" Pierson said.

National Grid responded and was able to shut down the gas line at 1:30 p.m., but before lifting the evacuation order the fire department will check the gas levels inside buildings to ensure it is safe. Pierson said the evacuation included all of Main Street between Nugent Street and Jobs Lane, both sides of the street. "The wind's blowing toward Main Street," he said, explaining the danger.

The fire department had fire hoses prepared as a precaution. "In case anything happens, we're ready to go," Pierson said.

North Sea Fire Department stood by on the scene with an engine and the Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance also responded. East Hampton Fire Department sent a crew to stand by at the Southampton Fire Department headquarters.

Previously:

A gas main break has been reported, closing some streets in Southampton Village on Tuesday afternoon.

The responded to the area of Nugent Street, near the , for the gas leak around 12:45 p.m.

Main Street has been evacuated of about 120 people, according to fire officials on the radio. Main Street has been shut down to traffic. Jobs Lane is open to foot traffic only.

The department is treating it as a hazardous material incident. A command post was set up at the , on the corner of Main Street and Nugent Street.

The is on scene, as well as emergency medical service agencies.

The East Hampton Fire Department was called to stand-by at the Hampton Road firehouse with one engine.