Town Hall evacuated as a result of a natural gas leak

April 16, 2008

Southborough Town House employees received an unexpected break in the great spring weather after 3:15 PM on April 16th when a natural gas leak caused the evacuation of their building and the Pilgrim Church.

Police Officials entering the Town Hall for a meeting observed the odor of natural gas at the back door. Half of the four on-duty firefighters, already responding to a fire alarm on Northborough Road, were diverted to the gas leak. The strongest odor was centered between the Town House and Pilgrim Church. As a result, both buildings were evacuated as a precaution and the air was monitored for explosive levels of natural gas.

NStar officials arrived on scene and determined that a faulty relief valve on the Town House meter caused the odor. Once it was determined the building was safe, employees were allowed back inside to finish work for the day.

Patrolman David Hagen of the Southborough Police confers with Town House employees while firefighters check the side of the building near the gas meter.

Firefighters after checking the gas odor and meter to the Town House.

Firefighters enter the Town House to monitor the gas levels.

Town House employees enjoying the sunshine while the building is checked for dangerous levels of natural gas.