A gas main break in Yonkers Monday forced streets to shut down and eight local businesses to evacuate.

A Yonkers Department of Public Works employee was digging to reach a water valve near 180 South Broadway when he hit a high-pressure gas main. Everyone started running from the scene, fearing an explosion. Abraham Haifa, who owns a car repair business next door, said he was worried.

"We run away [because]?everything would've blown up, the whole building?the whole corner really, not only the building," said Haifa.

Several blocks were also closed to traffic. Buildings in the area, including an elementary school, were checked for higher than normal natural gas levels. However, none were found.