CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, Colo. - A construction crew punctured a natural gas line, forcing the evacuation of Cherry Hills Village Elementary School at midday Wednesday, an official said.

The gas leak happened about 11:30 a.m. near the 570-student school at 2400 East Quincy Avenue in Cherry Hills Village, said Tustin Amole, spokeswoman for Cherry Creek School District.

Parents were sent an automated recording saying all students were evacuated by bus to West Middle School, located at 5151 S. Holly St. in Greenwood Village.

Classes at Cherry Hills Village were canceled for the rest of the day, including afternoon kindergarten, Amole said.

"If your child normally walks to school, please pick them up at West Middle School.  If your child rides the bus, we will transport them at the normal time. The phone number for West Middle School is 720-554-5180," the recording said.

Amole said the gas leak was capped in the afternoon, and fire officials have cleared the school for students to return on Thursday. Officials will double-check the school building before classes begin in the morning, Amole added.