CORNELIUS – (WBTV) A gas leak shut down a busy Cornelius roadway just after lunchtime Wednesday, Dec. 21. A contractor digging in the ground cut the gas line and people in the area began smelling gas.

The leak occurred near the intersection of Jetton and Meta Roads inside the Peninsula community, according to Cornelius police.

The gas line was shut off around 3:20 p.m. and Piedmont Natural Gas said about 70 customers were affected by the break.