BARTHOLOMEW/BROWN COUNTY — Residents near the Bartholomew and Brown County line are back in their homes today after a massive gas line rupture forced emergency evacuations late yesterday afternoon. According to the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department (BCSO), a 30-inch gas line ruptured, creating an immediate safety hazard that required a swift multi-agency response. After hours of intensive work to stabilize the high-pressure line, the Southern Brown County Volunteer Fire Department and gas officials managed to secure the site. At approximately 2:25 a.m., the BCSO announced that the line was secured for the night and residents were cleared to return home. The Hope Police Department and county officials were forced to issue statements dispelling the rumors, clarifying that the danger was localized to the southwestern portion of the county.