An Atlanta private school was evacuated Thursday afternoon after a nearby gas leak, authorities said.

Students at The New School in the 600 block of Memorial Drive were evacuated about 12:50 p.m. as a precaution, Atlanta fire Sgt. Cortez Stafford said.

A spokeswoman for Atlanta Gas Light said the natural gas line was damaged by a third-party contractor who was performing work nearby.

Crews are still at the scene making repairs, she said.

Police reopened the stretch of Memorial Drive just before 4 p.m ahead of the evening commute.

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