UPDATE: OPP say all residents are allowed to return to their homes. Police say they want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation.
TILLSONBURG - After approximately 60 homes were evacuated this morning after a residence was struck by lightning, which caused a gas leak, OPP say all residents are allowed to return to their homes.
EMS and local firefighters arrived on scene with police at approximately 3:03 am, when lightning had struck a home on Kara Lane and severed a gas line releasing a large quantity of natural gas into several homes along with the underground sewer lines.
Union Gas was also notified and it is expected the gas will be off for approximately 24 hours.
Other areas that were also effected included Francis Street at Tillson Avenue, Peach Street at Magnolia Drive and Kara Lane at Mary Street.
The Tillsonburg Fire and Rescue Services said most residents could return to their homes on Kara Lane after 7:00 am, but house numbers ranging from 49-73 and 40-80 were still under a mandatory evacuation until further notice. They could also report to St. Joseph School on Frances Street and be brought to their homes to collect essential needs.
After they were evacuated, all residents stayed at the Tillsonburg Community Centre.
Police say they want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation.
Over 50 homes evacuated after #Lightningstrikes and ruptures gas line at a Kara Lane @OxfordCounty address. #Community Centre located at 45 Hardy Avenue open for displaced residents. Do NOT go around road closure signs. #OxfordOPP ^es https://t.co/gxWmV2o8UJ
— OPP West (@OPP_WR) August 18, 2019

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