A gas leak caused by a faulty transformer forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents from a Bucks County apartment complex on Father’s Day afternoon.
The American Red Cross responded to the Chesterfield Apartments along New Rodgers Road in Levittown, Pennsylvania to help more than 200 residents forced from their homes.
A transformer broke after damage to an underground natural gas line around 12:15 p.m. causing the evacuation of the entire complex, said Middletown Township Police. After more than two hours, most buildings were cleared for reentry with the exception of about 72 units where about 220 people live.
PECO spokesman Liz Williamson said crews had responded to the scene for a reported power outage but shortly after noon detected a strong odor of gas. Williamson said power was cut to the units for safety reason and a gas crew was sent to the site.
No reports of any injuries.
Middletown Police chief Joe Bartorilla said the nearby Foxwood Manor apartments opened their community room to displaced residents.
Residents were allowed to return to their homes overnight Sunday into Monday as power and gas services was restored.
