PENN HILLS, Pa. -- Imani Christian Academy and Abundant Beginnings Daycare were evacuated as a precaution after a gas line was struck in Penn Hills.

The main, 8-inch gas line was accidentally hit by a drilling crew early Wednesday afternoon, and there was a concern that vapors could have moved through the day care on Eastgate Drive, according to Penn Hills Fire Chief Shawn Snyder.

"A drilling crew struck what we believe is an 8-inch main line," said Snyder. "Dominion Peoples was notified right away."

About 300 children and adults were taken to Covenant Church on Andrew Drive, off Robinson Boulevard, in Wilkinsburg.

"There was no fire. No explosion," said Elder Milton Rayford of Imani. "This was a precautionary measure, because the gas, we didn't want seeping in towards the children, giving the children headaches or anything."

From Covenant Church, the children were sent home on school buses, with assurances passed along to parents.

"Your children are safe," said Rayford. "More than likely, there will be school tomorrow."

"Right now, we have everybody accounted for," said Snyder. "Everybody is safe. There's no problems."

"Extraordinarily smooth," said Rayford. "The fire department, the police department and the gas company were so cooperative."

Dominion Peoples workers have fixed the problem and gas has been restored to those affected.

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