Hazmat crews respond to large gas leak in heart of uptown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Fire Department said officials are responding to a natural gas leak near the intersection of Trade and College streets.

Officials said hazmat units responded to the scene at about noon Thursday.

[GALLERY: Hazmat units respond to major gas leak in uptown Charlotte]

"I heard a loud sound,” witness Angela Wilson said. “It was like an explosive sound, and everybody just turned around and looked right here at Trade Street. And then all of a sudden, I saw the workers, who work right here in the area, running. It was dust flying everywhere, and we were all looking like, ‘What's going on?’"

A 4-inch gas line was hit by a construction crew, fire department officials said.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene where fire crews are blocking off roads.

Piedmont Natural Gas responded and high-rise buildings were being monitored.

The gas leak was under control at about 4:40 p.m. Crews continued to repair the line.

Expect significant delays and avoid the area, officials said.

No injuries were reported.

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