A ruptured natural gas line forced the evacuation of six crucial, main campus UVM classroom and research buildings yesterday, a UVM spokesperson said.

At about 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, a construction excavator struck a natural gas main in the vicinity of 105 Carrigan Drive on the campus of the University of Vermont. The incident initiated an emergency response from Burlington Fire Department, University Police Services, and Vermont Gas Systems. A secondary response involved UVM Physical Plant and Environmental Services.

The gas line was shut off and six buildings were evacuated: Jeffords Hall, Stafford Hall, Health Science Research Facility, Main Campus Greenhouse, Given, and Rowell. Multiple other buildings in the vicinity were checked and cleared.

The line break was isolated and repaired, and clearance was given for Physical Plant to reenter the six buildings and reset fire alarm systems at approximately 11:40 a.m. Buildings were then reopened one-by-one until all occupancy was restored by 2 p.m.