Gas leak closes Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Fire Department responded to a gas leak on Ocean Boulevard construction site on Thursday afternoon.

The leak was reported about 12:50 p.m. between 14th Avenue North and 16th Avenue North on Ocean Boulevard.

A hiss from the leaking pipe could be heard near a three-story building under construction. A natural gas smell filled the air along Ocean Boulevard and as far back as Chester Street.

"Upon arrival crews investigated and found a small service line had been cut during construction SCE&G was called and mitigated the situation by clamping the line and stopping the leak," Lt. Jonathan Evans said.

No injures were reported.

Myrtle Beach Police responded and blocked vehicle and pedestrian traffic to the area. They also warned people nearby not to use their cell phone as a spark could start a fire.

Construction crews moved to a nearby parking lot while they waited for the scene to clear.

Jeff Ward with J.E. Sessions Plumbing just finished lunch in his truck and started to return to the construction site when others exited and told him about the leak. He said it was the size of the pipe that led to the loud hiss, making the threat seem worse than it was reality.

Hannah Strong: 843-444-1765, @HannahLStrong

This story was originally published May 31, 2018 at 1:03 PM with the headline "Gas leak closes Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach."