Crews Rupture Gas Main Near Wilson School

Gas leaked into the neighborhood around Wilson Elementary School late Wednesday after construction crews working in the area ruptured a gas main.

Crews were installing a sign near the entrance of the school on Orton Road around 7 p.m. when they pierced a gas line. West Caldwell Police soon received calls from residents reporting the smell of gas in the area, according to West Caldwell Capt. Gerard Paris. 

Public Service Electric & Gas, or PSE&G, responded to the school and turned off the gas sometime around 8:40 p.m., according to Paris.

Wilson Elementary School Principal Scott Keena said in a written statement, “The gas has been shut off and PSE&G will be fixing the problem" and that no emergency procedures were necessary.  

“There are no classes or events occurring at the school, so no special procedures are required at this time. In the event that school or other activities had been in session when the pipe was hit, the school would follow standard evacuation and emergency situation procedures.” 

A PSE&G spokeswoman said no one was evacuated and nearby residents were not effected. The pipe has also been fixed as of 1 p.m. Thursday.