Authorities say a six inch gas line was cut shortly before 9 a.m. Monday during a construction dig at a Food Lion on Rockfish Road.
Traffic was blocked on Rockfish Road from the entrance of Jack Britt High School to Wipperwill Drive.
The wind was an issue as it blew gas toward the high school. School leaders scrambled to keep the nearly 1,900 students safe.
Jack Britt Principal Denise Garison said they alerted everyone inside the school about the situation and told them to shut the windows and limit outdoor activities. Classes that meet outside were brought inside and PE teachers were asked to keep their students inside as well.
None of the nearby houses had to be evacuated, but Piedmont Natural Gas crews had to keep the gas flowing to customers while repairs were made. If the company had cut off the gas, pilot lights in all of the homes west of the break would have to be re-lit.
Emergency Services Director Tim Mitchell said the repair would require crews installing a temporary line and then placing another lateral line alongside the regular line.
Crews completed the repair Monday afternoon.
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