Natural gas leak forces evacuations in Pioneer Square

SEATTLE - A large natural gas leak forced the evacuations of several buildings in Seattle's Pioneer Square early Tuesday morning.

The Seattle Fire department responded just after 3 a.m. to the 200 block of Yesler Way to a report of a strong odor of natural gas, officials reported.

Seattle Fire department crews evacuated the Morrison Hotel and the Smith Tower buildings. At least 500 people were evacuated, according to our Q13 Fox News crew on scene.

Seattle Police shut down traffic on 2nd Avenue between Yesler and James St, and 3rd Avenue between Yesler and James St.

Metro bus service and downtown traffic will be rerouted around the area.

Puget Sound Energy crews are working to shut down the gas leak, which was reportedly coming from an underground vault.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated when more information is available.