5 p.m. Update: Emergency workers respond to natural gas line rupture

Crews are making progress on mending a ruptured natural gas line in Caswell Hill. There are no longer any life-safety concerns and the Saskatoon Fire Department is ending its response.

The incident started around 10:13 this morning when a private contractor was performing some drilling work on 30 street between Avenues C and D.

Winter weather has slowed the work as crews need to thaw the ground with a steam truck.

At last word, crews were preparing to begin installing a special shut-off valve to isolate the affected gas line.

All but one of the nine homes initially evacuated along 30 street have now been tested and residents have been allowed to return.

Throughout the incident, emergency workers were in constant contact with public school board officials. School staff notified parents and kept Caswell School students sheltered in place until the end of the school day when the students safely left.

Firefighters also delivered written notices to residents within a one block radius. The notice says the situation is not dangerous but to minimize movement in the work area, it advises people to stay inside this evening. The notice also says that despite a rotten egg smell that may linger in the area, it is safe.

Work crews are now expected to be on scene into the evening hours.