Philly gas line rupture: Evacuations prompted near Central High School - WHYY

The fire department said the evacuations, near the intersection of the city’s East Germantown, Logan and Ogontz neighborhoods, are a “precautionary measure.”

Residents around Wister Woods Park on Olney Ave. said they heard an explosion and smelled gas on the morning of February 27, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

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A large gas line rupture that led to evacuations in Northwest Philadelphia Thursday morning is under control, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management.

The natural gas line was struck around 8:15 a.m. by a private contractor during construction work at the intersection of West Olney Avenue and 18th Street, sending a cloud of smoke into the air.

Philadelphia's Central High School was evacuated this morning after a large gas line ruptured during construction work. A parent of two Central High students shared this video of the aftermath.@WHYYNews @whyy pic.twitter.com/MUukfHRQYb

Central High School and the Regency Village apartment building were initially evacuated as a “precautionary measure,” according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Officials say the area is now safe.

People in the area said they heard an explosion after the gas line was hit. Ikeem Wise is a resident who was evacuated from the apartment building.

“The boom explained everything and the smell of gas was very strong,” he said.

PGW is working to restore gas service in the building.

There are no fires and no injuries, fire department officials said.

Road closures are in effect at the following intersections:

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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