Gas Main Break Evacuates Church, School In Washington Heights

(STMW) -- A ruptured gas main has led to the evacuation of a church and school Tuesday afternoon in the Washington Heights neighborhood on the Far South Side.

A construction crew struck a 4-inch gas line at 104th and Vincennes, prompting a HazMat response, Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford said.

A school, a church and a CTA facility have been evacuated, Langford said. No injuries have been reported.

Crews have since turned off the valve and stopped any escaping gas, Peoples Gas spokeswoman Jennifer Block said. About 20 customers are without natural gas, and crews are working to repair the damage, she said.

No. 112 Vincennes buses are temporarily rerouted in the area, according to the CTA.

Metra trains on the nearby Rock Island District Line were temporarily stopped, but are running again with a 17 to 20 minute delay, Metra's website said.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)