Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS Firefighters work at the scene of this morning's gas line break near Broad and Bailey streets. Street closures are still in effect in the area. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

NASHUA — Firefighters and crews from Liberty Utilities continue to work at the scene of this morning’s gas leak, which was reportedly caused when construction equipment struck the high-pressure main near Broad and Bailey streets.

Shortly after firefighters arrived, additional crews from Liberty Utilities were called to the scene and attempted to shut down the gas line but were unsuccessful with their initial attempts. As of 1 p.m. the gas leak is still active and crews are digging up the street attempting to stop the leak.

Around 20 homes in the vicinity were evacuated, many of them on Broad Street and part of Bailey Street. As of early afternoon, most residents were still out of their homes.

Firefighters used two hose lines to help dissipate the gas escaping from the damaged line.

The gas line was undergoing what the company referred to as routine maintenance at about 10:25 a.m. when for unknown reasons, it began to leak. The 6 inch main which also has a 2 inch main branching off was sending gas from the high pressure line into the air.

Nashua Fire Rescue requested additional apparatus to the scene and had Nashua Police shut down Broad Street.

Firefighters will meter the gas lines before residents return to their homes.

Crews are investigating a valve issue at the construction site as a possible cause of the issue. The lines, according to firefighters, were stuck, requiring Liberty Utilities crews to cut the lines to access and fix the leaks. The company will also need to build a shutoff valve to fix the leak.

–JEFFREY HASTINGS

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