SHEFFIELD LAKE — Fifteen homes were evacuated and the Norfolk Southern rail line was shut down for two hours because of a natural gas leak caused by a car accident Wednesday evening in Sheffield Lake.

Fire crews investigate a gas leak Wednesday night on Lake Breeze Road in Sheffield Lake. (Photo by Steve Manheim, The Chronicle-Telegram.)

No one was injured in the two-car accident, which happened about 5:12 p.m. on the 900 block of Lake Breeze Road near the railroad tracks. One car ended up resting on a gas meter that ruptured a high-pressure line, according to the Sheffield Lake Fire Department.

Members of the Sheffield Fire Department responded first, as Sheffield Lake fire crews were handling a squad call when the accident was called in. Sheffield Lake fire personnel arrived at 5:45, and Avon Lake fire crews also came for backup.

Eight homes on Lake Breeze and seven homes on Roberts Street were evacuated.

The Red Cross set up a shelter at the Sheffield Lake Community Civic Center on Lake Road in case the evacuation lasted into the night or overnight. Field supervisor Nicole Prather said two people came to the shelter but left when the evacuation order was lifted at 7:41 p.m.

Homes in the evacuated area were checked for gas by fire crews and were found to be clear.

Contact Melissa Hebert at 329-7129 or mhebert@chroniclet.com.

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