A broken gas line on Route 67 closed Rolando’s Restaurant and brought traffic to a standstill in both directions for nearly two hours Thursday.
According to police, the incident began at about 2 p.m. in the vicinity of West Street, where Haynes Construction workers are installing a sewer system.
The workers accidentally punctured a one-inch gas line connected to the restaurant.
The restaurant had two customers and four employees inside at the time of the incident and was immediately evacuated.
Rolando’s Restaurant owner, Dino Bomova said he was not working at the time but was informed of the incident by phone from the bartender on duty.
Bomova said the restaurant had to cancel take out orders and will be forced to throw away all the food in the restaurant because of contamination.
“I don’t want to take any chances,” he said.
Bomova contacted his insurance company and is waiting to get back into the restaurant to assess the damage. The extent of Bomova’s losses has not yet been determined.
“What a disappointment,” he said. “This is really going to hurt us.”
During the repairs, police shut down Route 67 between Park Street and West Street and diverted traffic to routes 42 and 188.
All three Oxford fire companies responded to the scene, along with ambulance personnel and a Yankee Gas Co. crew to repair the damage.
Resident Trooper Sgt. Dan Semosky said police diverted traffic away from the scene as Yankee Gas employees traced the gas line to the restaurant and the roadway for any lingering fumes.
“We are taking all the necessary precautions,” he said.
Fire Marshal Scott Pelletier said fire personnel assisted Yankee Gas with gas level readings in the area. Pelletier also said that Southbury and Seymour Fire Departments were notified to provide coverage for Oxford during the incident.
