Live updates: Source of Lawrence gas leak isolated, crews to go door-to-door

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Over 100 people have been evacuated from their homes near South Broadway Street in Lawrence after a "major gas leak" Friday morning.

Lawrence gas leak coverage:

Latest updates --

11:30 a.m. - Lawrence High School was dismissed for the day after an anonymous report of a threat of a school shooting. Police say there was no shooting, no gun and they are investigating along with State Police.

8:25 a.m. - Columbia Gas crews are going door-to-door with Lawrence police and fire to check about 146 homes for the presence of gas.

Here's a map of the evacuation area:

>> Lawrence Officials: Families evacuated, schools open after major gas leak

7:15 a.m. -

Officials said at a news conference that at least 100 people have been evacuated, gas has been shut off and no injuries have been reported. One person was taken to the hospital due to a possible heart attack, Lawrence Fire Chief Brian Moriarty said.

The cause has not been determined but officials believe they've isolated the leak. There is no timeline on when residents and businesses might be able to return.

7:01 a.m. - 

6:29 a.m. -

The mayor says residents in the affected area  -- Andover Street to Merrimack Street, and Sandborn to Parker streets MUST evacuate.

6:17 a.m. -

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera said the incident is a confirmed Level 1 gas leak - which is the most serious -- "representing an existing or probable hazard to persons or property," according to the state's gas leak classification system, and requires "repair as immediately as possible and continuous action until the conditions are no longer hazardous" existing or probable hazard to persons or property."

>> What is a Level 1 gas leak in Massachusetts?

Rivera said in a statement Lawrence fire and police responded immediately to the leak. All schools, except for the Wetherbee School and Lawrence Catholic Academy, will be open in Lawrence.

6:06 a.m. - 

Columbia Gas says gas has been shut off and crews are working to repair a gas leak near South Broadway and Salem streets. The company says they will go door-to-door to 146 customers. The cause of the leak is being investigated.

5:55 a.m. -

Watch: Red Cross on how they are helping affected residents

5:50 a.m. -

Lawrence Public Schools said the Wetherbee School in Lawrence will be closed Friday due to the power outage. All other Lawrence schools are scheduled to open.

5:30 a.m. - 

Columbia Gas crews are checking manhole covers and taking gas level readings. Officials say National Grid has deenergized the area and power has been cut to the immediate area. MEMA is reporting around 1,400 customers without power.

5:15 a.m. -

Homes and businesses near South Broadway are being evacuated. Shuttles are taking residents to the Arlington Middle School.

Original story--

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said there is a "major gas leak" in the area of South Broadway and Merrimack streets and officials are treating it as a 3-alarm incident.

A Columbia Gas spokesperson confirmed that the company has crews at the scene to investigate.

Lawrence police confirmed the gas leak was reported near the Dunkin' at 50 South Broadway Street after a strong odor of gas.

Lawrence firefighters were helping residents evacuate from several homes in the area. It's unclear how many people are being evacuated.

The leak comes just after the first anniversary of the Merrimack Valley gas explosions that tore through Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

This is a breaking story and will be updated. Boston 25 News has crews at the scene and will update with the latest information available.

Previous coverage

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