Shopping center, homes evacuated after natural gas leak

St. James, NY (SmithtownRadio.com) – St. James residents evacuated following a gas leak Friday afternoon have been allowed to return home.

Around 12:45 p.m., a construction crew digging for drainage near 552 North Country Road struck a a gas line, a National Grid spokesperson says.

As a pre-caution, emergency personnel evacuated the adjacent shopping center and about two dozen homes, a Suffolk police spokesperson says. Area roadways were also closed.

At 1:38 p.m., the area was reopened. National Grid is expected to restore natural gas service to the area shortly.

No injuries were reported as a result of the gas leak.

The St. James and Nesconset fire departments  along with the Suffolk County Police Departemnt responded.  LIPA was also on-scene.