Update, 3:30 p.m.: Route 422 is now open, according to Derry Township Police.
Update, 3:15 p.m.: Safety engineers from the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission’s Pipeline Safety Division and crews from UGI Utilities continue to monitor gas levels around the evacuation site and will begin repair work when it’s safe to proceed, the PUC announced.
The leak began when a construction crew struck a natural gas line, damaging the 4-inch line operated by UGI.
When repairs are completed, UGI crews will work with the approximately 250 customers who have been impacted by the incident, to safely restore their natural gas service, the PUC said. Engineers from the Pipeline Safety Division will continue to monitor the repair work and the circumstances surrounding this incident will be investigated by both the Pipeline Safety Division and Damage Prevention Committee.
Update, 1:15 p.m.: Power is being restored to the area. Businesses and residences are clear for people to return. Chocolate Avenue (422) will remain closed between Valley and Cocoa (743) so UGI can conduct repair work.
Update, 11:22 a.m.: PPL Utilities has cut power in the area, at the request of gas utility crews. The outage affects 1,113 people, and is expected to last until at least 2:30 p.m.
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa.– Crews are on the scene investigating a “strong odor of gas” in the downtown area of Hershey.
According to reports, a gas line was struck by construction crews on Ridge Road.
Currently, Chocolate Ave. from Valley Rd. to Cocoa Ave. is closed for the gas leak.
According to the PPL Outage Map, over 1,100 people are without power in Derry Township.
