Overview
- Crews responded after a 12:05 p.m. 911 call reporting a strong gas odor at the Hannaford parking lot at 10 Merchants Way.
- Heavy natural gas odors were detected inside Hannaford and Aubuchon Ace Hardware, with the hardware store reading well into the explosive range.
- Firefighters evacuated all stores and found a rear gas meter dislodged from its underground supply line.
- Responders shut the gas line and ventilated the buildings as Middleborough Gas and Electric secured the supply line and meter.
- No injuries were reported and the scene was cleared around 1:30 p.m., with officials urging residents to call 911 if they smell gas following the recent three-foot blizzard.