UPDATE: Courthouse complex evacuated because of gas leak

UPDATE: A natural gas leak near the St. Martin Courthouse was capped without incident Monday afternoon.
Office workers in the courthouse and annex got some sunshine and off early.

A backhoe working on a vacant lot adjacent to the St. Martin Parish Law Enforcement Complex struck a natural gas line Monday afternoon and sent office workers into the streets to stand as safe distance while awaiting help from a gas utility company.
A loud hissing from the gas was audible a block away and the rotten-egg smell noticeable five or six blocks to the north, downwind from the complex.
Offices affected included that of the sheriff, clerk of court, district attorney, assessor, registrar of voters and judges of the 16th Judicial District.
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