High Pressure Gas Line Ruptured on Lebanon Street

UPDATED Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 2:55 p.m.

Melrose Police and Fire responded to a high pressure natural gas line that was struck at Lebanon Street and Laurel Street on Tuesday afternoon, which leaked for about a half an hour before being shut off.

Initial reports about the ruptured line came in around 1:40 p.m. At 2:23 p.m., at the corner of Lebanon Street and East Foster Street, loud hissing suddenly quieted when the gas was shut off by National Grid. A strong odor of gas continued to fill the air.

Melrose Police and Fire officials had a central command station set up at Lebanon and East Foster, and were blocking off access to the surrounding area. Melrose Fire Chief John O'Brien and Police Chief Mike Lyle were busy on the scene.

The city also sent out a reverse 911 message about the leak using the city's Code Red system. Residents were told:

• If they were in immediate danger, they would have already been notified to evacuate. Residents who lived on the block of Lebanon Street from East Foster Street to Grove Street were evacuated from their homes as a precaution.

• Residents who live near Lebanon and Laurel Street should stay indoors.

• If indoors in the area, close your windows.

• Avoid the area due to road closures.

Residents can expect to smell an odor of gas throughout the day as the gas dissipates. A follow up reverse 911 call from the city notified residents that the line had been capped and the area is now safe.