AP-PA--Pennsylvania News Digest, PA

Pocono hospital merges with Lehigh Valley Health Network

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — A sinkhole has collapsed part of a Pennsylvania city street and a gas leak believed to be caused by a ruptured main forced the evacuation of several homes. The Bethlehem Fire Department says about 30 residents had to leave their homes early Wednesday. A four-block area has been closed to traffic. Bethlehem is about 70 miles north of Philadelphia. Fire Chief Robert Novatnack says firefighters were called to the scene around 3:20 a.m. and detected a strong odor of natural gas, including inside some homes. The gas was shut off after several hours and utility crews were making repairs. Several evacuated residents are sheltering at a nearby school. A UGI utility company worker was injured when he fell into the hole. He drove himself to the hospital as a precaution. ___ Information from: The (Easton, Pa.) Express-Times, http://www.lehighvalleylive.com

Sinkhole, gas leak force evacuations in Pennsylvania city