Firefighters respond to gas leak at Cross Trails Center plaza in Punta Gorda

Crews and firefighters are investigating a gas leak at Cross Trails Center on Cross Street in Punta Gorda on Thursday. According to Charlotte County Public Safety, a natural gas line meter was pulled near Elena's Restaurant. The Punta Gorda Fire Department and Charlotte County Fire & EMS responded to the scene. Public Safety said crews plugged the damaged gas line. TECO is also at the scene and released the following statement: “We are aware of damaged natural gas piping at 615 Cross Street. The fire department and our crew were on scene to assess and make initial repairs. Several businesses in the area are served from the piping and will be without natural gas service while we make permanent repairs. We expect service to be restored this evening. No other businesses in the area are impacted." A firefighter at the scene told Gulf Coast News there were no flames or smoke, and only the exteriors of businesses have been affected by the leak. Additionally, some nearby business were evacuated and closed for safety. Gulf Coast News has reached out to Punta Gorda fire for additional information. Count on Gulf Coast News to keep you updated. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.