Gas line break forces Durham evacuation

Durham, N.C. — A backhoe hit a 4-inch gas line Friday morning, forcing nearby residents from their homes, police said.

The rupture occurred near the intersection of West Main and Fuller streets at about 9 a.m.

West Main Street was blocked off between the 600 block and the 1300 block, and a portion of the downtown loop from Morgan Street to Duke Street also was closed.

The gas line was repaired, and all roads were reopened by 12:15 p.m.