At roughly 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning, lightning from a storm that moved through the region struck a gas line in the area of Kara Lane. Gas has leaked into several homes and the sewer system which has prompted evacuation.

Deputy Fire Chief Hietkamp says they have taken the necessary precaution and evacuated over 50 homes. Everyone is now being escorted to the Tillsonburg Community Centre.

Fire officials say it could be between 12 and 20 hours before people are allowed to return to their residences.

Emergency crews have closed off the roadways surrounding the area. A re-opening of roadways is unknown at this time.