A gas leak around 1:00 pm this afternoon at a substation near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Hanley Road in Mansfield forced the evacuation of some nearby residents strictly as a safety precaution. Columbia Gas officials shut off gas to the substation once an Ohio Edison crew shut off the electricity at the site. An official on the scene explained there was a concern that during the gas shut off process gas would begin pocketing and could potentially ignite with static electricity, therefor the electricity was shut off first.
No flames or explosions occurred and residents that were not evacuated were advised to remain in their homes. Meanwhile Columbia Gas crew members are working to determine whether the leak occurred at a valve or somewhere in the line after which repairs can begin.
Officials gave no indication how long these repairs will take. Traffic at that intersection is being blocked in all directions. Motorists are advised to avoid the area