(KNZA)--A gas pipeline leak east of  McLouth Thursday evening led to evacuation of several homes and closure of portions several roadways.  

Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Keith Jeffers, in a release, said an Enterprise Products Partners L.P. pipline experienced a leak in an area near K-16 Highway, about 1.5 miles east of the city of McLouth, around 7:10.

Jeffers said several cars were stranded on Fairmount Road due to a lack of oxygen to the engines. Crews from fire districts in Jefferson and Leavenworth Counties evacuated the passengers.

Due to presence of the propane gas in the area,   several homes were also evacuated

In addition, K-16 Highway between McLouth and 251st Street--including Fairmount and Dempsey Roads--were closed. The roads have since been re-opened.

Evacuated homeowners were assisted by the American Red Cross with shelters and food.

Jeffers said its expected that they will be able to start returning to their homes after 3:00 Friday afternoon, as long as emergency personnel determine it is safe to do so. 

As of this time, the release says the cause of the pipeline rupture is unknown