Car crashes into building causing gas leak and evacuation, fire officials say

May 26—A gas leak was detected and a building was partially evacuated after a vehicle reportedly crashed into the corner of the structure, Manchester fire officials said Saturday.

Emergency personnel received a call about 4:20 p.m. Saturday reporting a vehicle had crashed into an apartment building at 269 Cedar St., leading to a gas leak, according to a Saturday evening news release. Responders arrived and found structural damage with a natural gas main and meter displaced, officials said.

Bystanders reported seeing a vehicle strike the building and drive away, according to the release.

Fire crews assessed the structure and determined there was no threat of collapse, but areas of the building near the damage were evacuated while crew members used gas meters to search for leaks, officials said. All floors were cleared of gas except the basement, which was ventilated by fire crews, the release said.

Responders stopped the active gas leak and notified Liberty Utilities, which responded to the scene to turn off the gas, fire officials said.

Firefighters also shored up the damaged section of the building with lumber and removed debris, according to the report, and building maintenance also was on scene and allowed residents to re-enter the building.

Fire officials estimated the cost of the damage at $5,000.