A construction crew in Kiryas Joel hit an underground gas main Friday morning, causing it to rupture. Nearly 3,200 students in nearby schools were evacuated.

The construction site is located right behind the UTA of Kiryas Joel boys school, a yeshiva on Getzel Berger Boulevard. School staff members became aware of the rupture when the strong odor of gas began to fill the school. Village officials say the yellow paint line that should have notified workers about the pipe was not properly marked.

Students at the UTA boys school were packed onto buses and sent home. Kiryas Joel Public Safety Director Moses Witriol says the impromptu evacuation went smoothly and that parents were informed of the situation.

Students from other schools in the area were allowed back to class once it was decided there was no safety threat