Natural gas leak in Aurora forces nearly a dozen families from their homes

A natural gas leak in Aurora forced the evacuation of 11 homes on Tuesday morning. According to Aurora Fire Rescue, crews rushed to the scene of the gas leak from a six-inch main line just north of East 51st Drive and North Quemoy Court after 11 a.m. 

Investigators said firefighters waited for Xcel Energy crews to arrive and were on standby until the scene was safe for people to return home. 

According to Aurora Fire, the natural gas leak was in a new construction area. When crews arrived, they found a "high volume of natural gas venting into the open air." Aurora Fire Rescue's Hazardous Materials Team responded, and in addition to the 11 homes that were evacuated, asked residents of a twelfth home to stay in place. 

Xcel Energy crews clamped the line at 12:36 p.m. and residents were allowed to return home. No injuries were reported. 

What caused the gas line leak is being investigated.