A downed power line caused a gas leak and fire following Sunday evening’s storm.
Rain and strong gusts of wind moved through the area Sunday and led to a high-voltage power line being brought down along Pine Street (Route 413) in Langhorne Borough. The line then energised a piece of metal and caused a gas leak and fire.
Advertisements
Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company Chief Frank Farry said crews were dispatched at 8:13 p.m. for a report of a transformer on fire on Pine Street near Watson Avenue. They arrived to find the gas line fire.
Residents were cleared from nearby homes and PECO crews were called in.
Farry said PECO crews dug up a portion of Pine Street to shut down the gas main. The gas was cut and the fire stopped by 11:45 p.m.
Advertisements
PECO crews inspected homes before allowing residents to return to make sure residences were safe, Farry said.
A portion of Pine Street was closed for hours as crews handled the gas leak and fire.
Advertisements
The chief said that the fire burned off leaking gas and stopped it from building up, which could have led to a dangerous situation.
About 1,500 customers in Middletown Township and Langhorne Borough lost service following the storm. Service was restored by late Sunday night and early Monday morning for nearly all customers.
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
