No injuries reported after Hannaford Supermarket and Aubuchon Hardware evacuated for major gas leak

MIDDLEBORO — Hannaford Supermarket and the surrounding business park on Merchants Way in Middleboro was evacuated Wednesday after the reports of a gas leak.

The Middleboro Fire Department responded Wednesday afternoon to the supermarket after reports of a strong odor of gas in the store. Upon arrival, a “strong” odor of natural gas was in the parking lot. The business park was evacuated with no injuries, according to the fire department.

After arriving at the business park, emergency crews confirmed a heavy odor of natural gas both outside and inside Hannaford's Supermarket and Aubuchon Ace Hardware store, located next door.

"Based on the levels of natural gas inside the structures, all the stores in the strip mall were evacuated," stated Thompson in a press release. "Our crews located a gas meter at the rear of the building that had been dislodged from the supply line coming from the ground."

Middleboro first responders were able to safely shut the gas line down and start ventilation of the buildings. They remained on scene while Middleboro Gas and Electric secured the supply line and meter.

The department said early investigations have determined a snowplow likely caused the meter dislocation. 

"Our crews did a great job quickly locating and shutting off the natural gas line," Thompson said. "We were extremely fortunate in this situation. The levels of gas in the hardware store were well into the explosive range, and we were able to evacuate and ventilate without any significant issues."

The Middleboro Fire Department could not be reached for additional comment by publication.