Gas Pipe Ruptures at Portsmouth Elementary School

Nearly 50 people were evacuated Tuesday morning from a Portsmouth elementary school after a general contractor struck a gas line in the school's courtyard. 

According to Portsmouth Fire Deputy Chief Michael O'Brien, a construction worker was digging with a back hoe in the Melville Elementary School courtyard when the hoe struck a pipe and caused a gas leak. 

"He hit the gas line, accidentally. He immediately shut the vehicle off to prevent an explosion," O'Brien said. 

The report of the gas leak came into the Portsmouth Fire Department at 9:46 a.m., but National Grid crews were already at the school on West Main Road. 

About 30 to 50 workers were evacuated from the school building, according to O'Brien. No children were inside at the time. 

Portsmouth firefighters tested the school, Melville campgrounds and nearby neighborhoods for natural gas levels. Aside from the school building, all natural gas levels were normal. 

National Grid plugged the leak in the pipe, while firefighters ventilated the school. Workers will be allowed back inside the school later this morning.