Feb. 10—NORWICH — A gas leak closed the area around the old Brody's Seafood Market after a car drove into the building early Saturday morning.
Occum Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Bob Riley said the department was dispatched at 3:55 a.m. to 1 Bridge St. Crews arrived to find the car had torn the corner off the unoccupied building and snapped the main gas valve, resulting in a leak.
Norwich Public Utilities spokesman Chris Riley said the company was alerted at 4:16 a.m. Utility personnel arrived shortly before 4:30 a.m., turning off the gas by 4:33 a.m.
Bob Riley said crews set up a 300-foot perimeter and closed the road while they assessed the scene. He said the driver did not require an ambulance. Information on the status of the driver was not immediately available from the Norwich Police Department.
Chris Riley said utility company personnel measured gas levels in the building and the immediate area to find no risk to the public. The scene was cleared by 6:30 a.m.
The 1864 building was purchased in June for $390,000 by Muse Unlimited & Co. LLC, according to Norwich assessor's records.
Bob Riley said the owners had been planning to start renovations soon.