Residents return home after gas leak in Reading | Reading Area

READING, Pa. — Residents returned to their homes after a gas leak forced evacuations in Reading on Monday night.

UGI crews worked to repair the gas leak in the 100 block of West Douglass Street, according to a UGI spokesperson.

Forty people were evacuated, UGI said. It was not yet determined how many homes were impacted.

Officials also cut electricity in the area as crews worked. More than 800 customers were without power in the area, according to MetEd.

The Red Cross said its volunteers served 36 people at an emergency shelter at Northwest Middle School on 1000 North Front St. in Reading for those temporarily displaced. The shelter has since closed.

Evacuation orders were lifted overnight, and residents were able to return home, the Red Cross said.

Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance should call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).