Ruptured gas line prompts evacuations near Philly’s Central High School

The fire department said the evacuations, near the intersection of the city’s East Germantown, Logan and Ogontz neighborhoods, are a “precautionary measure.”

Workers dig up the street to fix the gas leak.

Residents around Wister Woods Park on Olney Ave. said they heard an explosion and smelled gas on the morning of February 27, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

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A large gas line rupture that led to evacuations in Northwest Philadelphia Thursday morning is under control, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management.

The natural gas line was struck around 8:15 a.m. by a private contractor during construction work at the intersection of West Olney Avenue and 18th Street, sending a cloud of smoke into the air.

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Central High School and the Regency Village apartment building were initially evacuated as a “precautionary measure,” according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Officials say the area is now safe.

People in the area said they heard an explosion after the gas line was hit. Ikeem Wise is a resident who was evacuated from the apartment building.

“The boom explained everything and the smell of gas was very strong,” he said.

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PGW is working to restore gas service in the building.

There are no fires and no injuries, fire department officials said.

Road closures are in effect at the following intersections:

  • 16th and Olney
  • 20th and Olney
  • Ogontz and Summerdale
  • Ogontz and Chew

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

  • Workers standing in the street in front of an apartment building
    PGW worked to repair a gas main leak at 16th and Olney Ave. in Philadelphia on February 27, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
  • A fire department car parked in the street with two firefighters nearby
    The Philadelphia Fire Departments helped evacuate residents of the Village Regency Apartments at Ogontz and Olney Avenues after there was an explosion heard on the morning of February 27, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
  • Three people in the street wearing bright yellow PGW vests
    PGW workers on Olney Ave. in Philadelphia at the scene of a gas explosion on February 27, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
  • Workers dig up the street to fix the gas leak.
    PGW works to contain a gas leak on Olney Ave. in Philadelphia on February 27, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
  • Workers standing in the street in front of an apartment building
    Residents of the Village Regency apartments at Ogontz and Olney Ave. in Philadelphia were evacuated dues to a gas leak-related explosion on the morning of February 27, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

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