Gas Main Bursts on Merrick Road

A gas main in front of 495 Merrick Road ruptured early Monday morning after a tree-trimming company tried to grind a stump and accidentally hit the gas line, officials said.

According to Rockville Centre Fire Department Chief John Busching, officials arrived at the scene at 7:55 a.m. and quickly evacuated the surrounding homes and businesses. Busching said the danger was if the leaking gas ignited, it would have sparked a fire.

Officials said National Grid got to the broken line within ten minutes, turned off the gas, dug up the main and replaced it. Merrick Road was closed both ways for about a half hour, Busching said.

Evacuees were allowed to return to their offices and homes within 30 minutes, officials said, and there were no injuries reported.

National Grid did not return Patch's calls for information.