UPDATE: Residents Returning to Their Homes After Gas Leak Evacuates East Norriton Neighborhood

UPDATE: [5:35 p.m.] A PECO representative confirmed that they are now letting residents return to their homes after being evacuated for a gas leak in the 100 West Hartranft Boulevard.

Crews are still working to cap the leak and clean up the scene, but are checking houses for residents' safety before allowing them to enter.

According to The Times Herald, a total of 15 customers were affected by the service shut off.

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UPDATE: [5 p.m.] Firefighters from Norriton Fire Engine Company have secured the scene of the gas leak in the 100 block of West Hartranft Boulevard.in East Norriton. Fire Chief James Staufenberg said PECO crews have taken over operations on the scene and are digging to pinpoint the leak and plug it.

A PECO representative said residents will be allowed to return to their homes as soon as the scene can be cleaned up.

Norristown Patch will update the story as soon as PECO provides more information.

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Original story:

Those in the neighborhood of the 100 block of W. Hartranft Blvd., East Norriton, have been asked to evacuate their homes due to a suspected gas leak in the area. PECO and Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) teams are on the scene, along with crews from the Norriton and Norristown fire companies.

The crews are going door-to-door to ask residents to leave the area until the situation is under control. Crews report that some neighbors are not answering, but that all residents should leave the immediate neighborhood.

The utility teams are removing area manhole covers to search for the leak, believed to be underground. The smell is reportedly "horrible" for those in the vicinity. The source of the leak is still unknown at this hour.

Patch will stay updated on developments on this neighborhood evacuation. Stay tuned to the site for more information as it becomes available.