The major gas line leak in Crooksville that prompted evacuations Tuesday afternoon is under control.

According to Mayor Fred Redfern, crews replacing waterlines in the village struck a 6-inch gas line around noon.

With four gas companies in the area, it took several hours to determine which company was responsible before the leak could be contained.

As a precaution, those in the area of Mill Street, where the line was struck, were told to evacuate. The evacuation numbers grew as the wind shifted.

“And it’s an inconvenience, I understand that, to people, but the thing is you’ve got to make it safe,” said Redfern. “Life safety is the number one priority. It always is with emergency services.”

Emergency responders from Muskingum County crossed the border into Perry County to assist.

Redfern estimated around 20 fire departments and emergency crews from Perry, Muskingum and Morgan Counties were on scene.

Just after 4 p.m., Muskingum County EMA Director Jeff Jadwin said he was informed that crews from Columbia Gas were able to shut the line down to stop the leak.

No one was injured in the incident.

The evacuations caused for shifts at the nearby PCC Airfoils to be altered. Employees in the second shift are now being told to report at 6 p.m. for continuous operations and SafeStart.