Fort Howard Road has reopened after a natural gas leak closed a portion of the road for about four hours.

A utility contractor laying a cable line struck a two-inch gas main with an excavator, according to Rincon Fire Chief Corey Rahn. The utility work was being done directly across from Willowpeg Way, near an entrance to Lost Plantation subdivision.

The gas leak occurred around 10:30 a.m. and was stopped around 1:40 p.m., Rahn said. The road reopened at 2:20.

No injuries were reported.

Fort Howard Road was shut down between Lisa Street and St. Andrews Road while the leak was repaired. Emergency crews evacuated the six homes in Lost Plantation that were nearest to the leaking gas main, Rahn said.

Also evacuated were 126 children and 16 staff members from I’ll Be Your Best Friend day care.