Gas leak forces evacuation in Richmond

RICHMOND, Ind. (WDTN) - Nearly 200 homes and businesses were evacuated and two schools were closed early Thursday in Richmond because of a gas leak. Residents were cleared to return several hours later.

Charles Elementary and Test Intermediate schools were closed, and officials said students who were already on the bus would be taken back home. Otherwise, parents were instructed to pick up their children at McGuire Hall at Richmond High School.

Richmond Police Department officials said the area affected is bordered by U.S. 40 to the north, South B Street to the south, and 30th and 34th streets east and west. Crews began evacuating homes around 5:30 a.m. Thursday.

Officials opened Richmond Square Mall as a place for residents to seek shelter from the cold. According to Wayne County EMA, the gas main had been repaired by about 11:30 a.m., and the gas was being turned back on. Vectren spokeswoman Chase Kelley said utility workers are accompanying residents to help them relight their pilot lights and make sure their homes are safe.

Vectren utility crews were in the area to make repairs, and fire personnel were positioned in the area on standby.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.