A natural gas leak Thursday morning forced authorities to evacuate Life Time Fitness in Woodbury for several hours as the morning rush wound down.

A Lifetime spokesman said the leak started about 10:15 a.m., when a worker accidentally severed a gas line while operating a backhoe near the health club at 675 Commons Dr.

No injuries were reported, and people were allowed back in the club at about 1:30 p.m., said Jason Thunstrom. He said the leak was reported just after the club's morning rush, prompting the evacuation.

Libor Jany • 651-952-5033 Twitter:@StribJany