Update: Workers Strike Gas Line

Updated: 4 p.m., October 5, 2011

Atlanta Gas Light has located and stopped the natural gas leak in Snellville near the corner of Scenic Highway and Henry Clower Boulevard, according to Gwinnett County fire officials. 

Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services said emergency crews were able to stop the leak about 3:45 p.m.

Nearly 100 people at New London Plaza Shopping Center, and several other businesses along Scenic Highway and Henry Clower Boulevard, were evacuated earlier, according to a press statement from Capt. Tommy Rutledge. But, they are now being allowed to return.

A construction crew working to install a utility pole struck a four-inch gas line earlier today. Fire crews were called to the scene about 1:46 p.m.

Firefighters are working to help protect the gas company crew, as well as hinder nearby exposure while the company works.

As a precaution, Walton EMC was requested to cut power to overhead electrical lines to eliminate potential ignition sources for the escaping gas. As of 4 p.m., power was being restored to the area.

Snellville Police and Gwinnett Fire closed Scenic Highway and Henry Clower Boulevard because of the incident and diverted traffic. Road were expected to be open Wednesday afternoon, following clean-up.

There were no injuries reported in the incident.