NORFOLK, Neb. -- Customers and employees were evacuated from Walmart in Norfolk Wednesday evening due to a reported gas leak.

The call came into authorities shortly after 5:00 p.m., according to the Norfolk Fire Division.

First arriving units reported finding a strong odor of gas outside the building. Walmart management told firefighters that a gas line was leaking in the garden center area after the line was accidentally damaged while stock was being moved. The building had been evacuated by store management prior to firefighters' arrival.

Norfolk Police secured entrances around the store, with firefighters entering the building with gas meters. According to Norfolk Fire, firefighters detected dangerously high gas readings in the area where the leak was reported. Black Hills Energy then assisted with turning off gas service to the building.

Crews continued to monitor the scene until it was found to be safe. Units remained in the area for approximately 90 minutes, though initial estimates were that authorities would need up to three hours.

Employees started to return to the building at approximately 6:30 p.m., with several fire and rescue units from surrounding communities also leaving the area at that time.

Assisting Norfolk Fire were Norfolk Police, Black Hills Energy, Hadar Fire and Rescue, Region 11 Emergency Management and Nebraska Public Power District.

There were no injuries.