A propane gas tank at a home located on National Drive in Pinehurst ruptured Wednesday as it was being filled by the gas company.

The Southern Pines Fire Department posted on their Facebook page, the incident happened around 9 a.m. in the area of Pinehurst No. 9.

SPFD states that the occupants of the home in the 100 block of National Drive were evacuated, and that National Drive was shut down to traffic in the area.

Firefighters are letting the leak burn off in order to control the leak and reduce the hazards, and that process will continue until the tank is empty.

The SPFD remains on the scene, and says the area could be closed for several more hours extending into the evening.

This may take several more hours so please avoid the area.