Kew Gardens Hills – A gas line rupture has forced the evacuation of about seven buildings in Flushing, Queens.

The incident happened Friday around 3:30 p.m., when an underground manhole explosion caused the gas to shoot up to Main Street and 75th Avenue, which is a mainly commercial area.

Officials are trying to find the gas valve below street level to turn it off. The street is also starting to collapse at spots because of the intense heat.

Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano spoke with CBS 2 and said firefighters were working to “control the gas leak.”

Cassano said officials have decided to let the fire burn for now to burn off the escaping gas. He said fire crews are working “closely with Con Ed” to get the situation under control.

Con Ed said it has tried to shut off the valves, but that solution wouldn’t hold.  They are now digging to the gas main, but there is no indication as to how long that might take.

(Source: WCBSTV)