Contractors working on plumbing in the parking lot of the Budget Inn and Suites, on Early Boulevard damaged a 2-inch gas service line in Brownwood around 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Brownwood and Early Police Departments, Brownwood Fire Department and Atmos Energy responded. Early Boulevard, also known as East Commerce, was closed from the intersection at North Main Street to the intersection at CC Woodson Road.

Businesses in the area including McAllister’s, Sawa, Humphrey Pete’s and Skillet’s were closed and employees and customers were evacuated until the leak was contained. At 6:45 p.m., Early Boulevard was reopened, and the area was cleared shortly after the line was repaired.

All businesses in that area will resume normal operating hours today.

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