Apartments Evacuated Due To Gas Leak, Power Outage

UPDATE: 6:23 p.m., Sunday: 

Middletown Fire Marshal Jim McGuire said some of the more than 200 apartments that were evacuated early Sunday afternoon due to a gas leak were cleared for residents to return.

Despite some of the apartment complex being cleared for residents, many units will remain evacuated, likely into the overnight, McGuire said.

PECO crews were working to repair a 2-inch high pressure gas main that suffered a leak. Around the same time, power was cut to the Chesterfield Apartments by officials.

The Red Cross was called later in the afternoon and were working to find temporary shelter for those who remained out of their apartments.

Residents were initially sent to the complex community center while crews evaluated at the situation, Chief of Police Joe Bartorilla said.

Residents who are looking for information on where to stay during the evacuations are asked to call the apartment complex management office, officials said.

No injuries or fire were reported.

Original story: 

Middletown authorities evacuated the Chesterfield Apartments due to a gas leak and power outage Sunday afternoon.

Police said the apartment complex on Veterans Highway (Route 413) opened their community room for residents displaced by the evacuations.

PECO crews requested the evacuation of apartments due to the gas leak around 1:30 p.m. Work to shut off the gas was the crews’ first priority.

Police said the Red Cross would be called if the evacuations lasted late into the day.