Construction crews struck a gas line along Pottsville’s Riverview Commerce Strip on Thursday, prompting firefighters to evacuate 172 households while utility crews investigated the suspected leak. The evacuation had been underway for five hours, and residents remained temporarily displaced as repairs continued.

Fire department spokesperson Miriam Whitcombe said crews treated the incident as a precaution while the damaged line was secured and the surrounding commercial area was checked. Emergency personnel maintained the evacuation area as gas crews worked at the construction site.

Officials had not announced when residents could return, with repairs still underway.