NORFOLK – A construction crew struck a 2-inch gas line, forcing the evacuation of a store at MacArthur Center and the Federal Building.

Andy Franklin, 13News

Construction crews hit a 2" natural gas line in downtown Norfolk.

Va. Natural Gas crews repaired the high-pressure line at Monticello and City Hall avenues around 1:20 p.m., about 90 minutes after the break occurred, officials stated.

MacArthur Center sokeswoman Karen Winters says Dillard's was evacuated as a precaution, but the rest of shopping center remained open. Dillard's also reopened soon after and all entrances to the mall are open.

Construction workers told 13News there was a big puff of smoke when the line broke and then the smell of gas filled the air, so many workers ran off.

The break also closed several downtown Norfolk streets: Monticello Avenue by the mall,  City Hall Avenue between Brandy and Bank streets and Granby Street southbound in that area.

Construction crews are working on the light rail system.

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