Gas leak at construction site shuts down Turnpike near Hollywood Blvd.; evacuations underway

A gas leak at a construction site in Hollywood has led to the closure of the Florida Turnpike, as well as evacuations in a nearby residential neighborhood. 7Skyforce hovered above the ruptured natural gas line just to the east of the highway and north of Hollywood Boulevard, just after noon on Friday. Construction workers were in the process of putting a large barrier wall when they cut the line. Roughly a two-block area is being evacuated, including an assisted living facility. No injuries have been reported. Authorities have shut down all northbound lanes, then closed the southbound lanes. Northbound traffic is being diverted at Hollywood Boulevard. Officials urge drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this breaking story.