**Updated at 8:37 a.m. on Saturday, October 13**
Several bars, restaurants and apartments in uptown Saint John had to be evacuated on Friday afternoon after a natural gas leak.
Kevin Comeau, platoon chief with the Saint John Fire Department, told our newsroom the call came in shortly after 4 p.m.
“Fire crews immediately began evacuation of a one-block radius while establishing a water supply and setting up lines as a safety precaution,” Comeau said.
Saint John Energy also shut off power to about 75 customers in the area as a precaution.
A gas leak on Princess Street near Prince William Street forcing the evacuation of several business that would normally be very busy right now. pic.twitter.com/DXGP92QIsM
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) October 12, 2018
Peter Smit of Happinez Wine Bar told our newsroom what he saw on Princess Street.
“Just before we opened at 4 o’clock, all of a sudden there were all kinds of fire trucks coming,” Smit said.
Smit acknowledged the leak happened on the busiest night of the week for the area, but it is better to err on the side of caution.
This is a look at the site of the leak.
We thank those who have been evacuated from the area for their quick actions and patience as first responders and crews place public safety first. pic.twitter.com/ZlAjEPsXGa— City of Saint John (@cityofsaintjohn) October 12, 2018
Once the leak in the two-inch underground line was repaired, firefighters swept the area to ensure there were no gas readings, Comeau said.
“Once fire crews received the all-clear, power was restored to the area and residents were allowed to return to their homes and businesses.”
The evacuation order was lifted shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday.
No one was hurt and there is no word on what caused the leak.
(Photo: Tamara Steele/Acadia News)