HARTFORD, Wis. (CBS 58) — Several Hartford residents were temporarily evacuated Wednesday morning after construction equipment struck a natural gas line.

Hartford Fire & Rescue responded around 7:45 a.m. to Branch Street near Grand Avenue for a report of a damaged gas line.

The Hartford Police Department closed nearby roads while first responders confirmed that everyone had safely exited the construction equipment and the home closest to the leak.

Officials found a mini excavator on the sidewalk with pressurized natural gas escaping from an underground line.

Homes and businesses on Branch Street between East Loos Street and East Washington Avenue were evacuated. Several properties on Grand Avenue and East Rogers Street were also cleared to establish a safety zone around the leak.

People outside the immediate evacuation area were told to shelter in place.

We Energies crews arrived after the evacuations were completed and worked to shut off the damaged two-inch underground supply line.

Once the gas was turned off, firefighters checked nearby homes with combustible gas meters. Residents were allowed to return shortly before 9 a.m. after officials gave the all-clear.

We Energies remained at the scene to repair the line and continue monitoring the surrounding area.

Officials asked anyone who smelled gas nearby to contact We Energies crews at the scene for further evaluation.

Police maintained road closures while the construction equipment was removed.

No civilians or emergency personnel were injured.