Gas leak closes part of Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead

A portion of Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead remained closed Monday evening after a Verizon worker struck a gas main while digging in front of a motel, Nassau County police said.

Authorities evacuated guests at the Capri Motel Inn, 434 Hempstead Tpke., at 7:15 p.m. officers said. The number of occupants evacuated wasn't immediately known. Traffic was diverted in both directions as fire crews attempted to disperse the escaping fumes.