About 100 people at a shopping complex in Hanover, Massachusetts, were evacuated from multiple businesses, including Macy’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, because of a gas leak Saturday, fire officials said.

Firefighters arrived at Hanover Crossing within minutes after multiple 911 calls reported a gas leak in the area of 1775 Washington Street around 4 p.m., the Hanover Fire Department said. Firefighters learned on scene that an exterior gas meter assembly had been struck by snow removal equipment.

Hanover firefighters urged the public to avoid the affected area and initiated an immediate evacuation after confirming there was an active gas leak with a significant vapor cloud extending from the damaged meter, accompanied by a loud roaring sound. The department recalled all of its off-duty firefighters to help.

Evacuating occupants and establishing a secure hazard zone was complicated by the size of the parking area and the numerous access points throughout the shopping complex, the department added.

Eversource responded to the scene and secured the leak, which was below the shutoff valve, about an hour after it began, fire officials said. National Grid also responded to assist with securing electrical service in the affected area.

Once the gas leak was mitigated, firefighters conducted safety checks of nearby businesses, with several requiring ventilation. All but four stores were allowed to resume normal operations within one hour of the gas leak being secured.

The evacuation was done as a precaution, according to Eversource, which said they hadn’t heard of anyone needing to be taken to the hospital.

The scene was cleared around 6:45 p.m., however Hanover Inspectional Services and Eversource remained on site to complete repairs to the damaged utilities.

The public is reminded to call 911 immediately if a gas leak is suspected, including situations involving a strong odor, visible vapor cloud, or loud hissing or roaring sound. The fire department also said that extra caution should be used when operating snow removal or other equipment near utility meters.

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A Wellesley, Massachusetts day care was shut down after a dozen children came in contact with an irritant that left the skin on their hands red. 

Reaction similar to sunburn

The Wellesley Fire Department said the reaction was similar to a sunburn. HAZMAT teams are investigating the liquid in the soap dispensers to see if that is the culprit.

“We haven’t exactly pinpointed what the irritant is, but we think it may have something to do with the soap dispenser possibly. It’s not airborne or anything like that,” said Wellesley Fire Chief Steve Mortarelli.

Wellesley police believe it may be some type of dishwasher detergent that got mixed in. They say the reactions range in intensity from child to child, which leads them to believe there could be varying concentrations of the irritant in the dispensers. 

Fire crews originally came to the Bright Horizons day care on William Street to treat just one child.

“On response we were evaluating, when several other children came up with a very similar issue,” said Chief Mortarelli. “Eleven of the children have been transported to area hospitals, and all minor superficial rashes.”

Day care shut down for investigation

The whole building is currently shut down for an investigation, but typically there are roughly 40 kids at the day care. Parents were seen getting into ambulances as their children were taken to the hospital out of an abundance of caution.

“Anytime there is children involved we are always going to have a response like this,” said Chief Mortarelli.

The children impacted range from one to five-years-old. There was a mix of reactions to seeing the first responders.

“You know how kids are. Some think the fire trucks are cool, some were uncomfortable and scared, and some were playing it cool,” said Chief Mortarelli.

WBZ-TV reached out to Bright Horizons for comment, but so far, we have yet to get a response.