High Pressure Gas Line Break at Short Beach Post Office

Today at 11:40 a.m. responded to 5 Court Street at the intersection of Shore Drive on the report of a gas leak. Assistant Fire Chief Shaun Heffernan said a vehicle struck a high pressure gas line in the loading dock area of a the multi-use building, which is home to the , and two residential apartments. Heffernan reported only the Post Office was occupied at the time and had to be temporarily evacuated.

Lt. Art Kohloff stated that a post office attendant heard a hissing noise and went outside to investigate. She found the gas meter and gas pipe behind the building, which connects to the gas main, had been damaged and reported the gas leak to authorities. The Branford Police are investigating the incident and believe a motor vehicle could have struck the pipe and meter, knowing or unknowingly. They however have no evidence at the scene.

Southern Connecticut Gas Company responded to turn off the gas and the Branford Fire Department was able to ventilate the building though the gas has not been restored. The gas company is on scene working to restore the gas and repair the meter by the end of the day. The post office is open until 4 p.m. today (temporarily without heat) and Augie's should open for dinner.