A leaking propane tank behind the Herbertsville Deli shut down Herbertsville Road for a short time early Saturday morning and led to the evacuation of residents.
At about 2:25 a.m., a motorist passing by the deli smelled gas and called police, Sgt. Henry Drew said. Officers and numerous fire departments were dispatched to the scene and about 30 homes on 1st, 2nd and 3rd avenues were evacuated with their vehicles to the area of Burnt Tavern and Maple Avenue.
Authorities set up a command post at the Dunkin’ Donuts store, also on Herbertsville Road while the roadway itself was shut down between Maple Avenue and Godfrey Lake Drive while firefighters worked to eventually secure the leak, Drew said. Residents were allowed back in their homes at 3:31 a.m., he said.
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Investigators believe the leak may have been caused by an animal that may have chewed on a line.
In addition to the police department, the Brick Office of Emergency Management, the Herbertsville Fire Company, and the Brick Police EMS responded, Drew said.