BOARDMAN Gas leak snarls 224

Several stores in the area were evacuated.
BOARDMAN -- Traffic along U.S. Route 224 came to a halt just before 9 a.m. today after a construction crew punctured a natural gas line, authorities said.
Authorities said the puncture in the underground pipe sent heavy fumes into the air.
Mike Robinson of A.P. O'Horo Construction said construction crews from the company were digging at Route 224 and Southern Boulevard to replace a catch basin when the gas line was nicked.
He said the line's location appeared to have been incorrectly marked on maps by about three feet.
Capt. Jerre Patterson of the Boardman police department said police blocked off 224 from Tanglewood Drive to California Drive. Southern Boulevard also was blocked off for 100 yards in each direction from 224.
Fire Chief James Dorman said natural gas blown by the wind affected nearby businesses.
Evacuated
Officials ordered the evacuation of Home Depot, Pep Boys, Stadium Lincoln-Mercury, several stores in nearby plazas and all secretaries at the township fire station on Route 224.
Dorman said evacuation was necessary because of the risk of a hard-to-fight fire.
Authorities said there are no known injuries or illnesses from the leak.
The gas has been shut off for several blocks surrounding the actual break. Crews were still working to repair the break this morning.