PSE&G declared the area safe after workers this afternoon pinched a high-pressure gas main on the property of the former Marcal Paper plant that was ruptured by contractors in Elmwood Park two hours earlier.
Evacuations were taking place in the area of Market Street and River Road and Elmwood Park High School students were temporarily locked in place as a precaution after the 12-inch main was breached around 11:45 a.m.
Reidents two to three blocks from the area — roughly a quarter-mile — were taken to the borough recreation center.
Surrounding towns also were notified. Citizens were being asked to check their gas lines for reductions in pressure.
By 1:30, the utility said it was safe to return.
