March 3, 2007

Gas leak evacuates homes

       White River Township firefighters responded to the area of Hiatt Avenue and Smith Valley Road earlier today on natural gas leak.  Workers were installing a drain pipe when the backhoe they were using accidentally cut a two-inch gas line.  "The line was marked, but was only twelve inches below the ground, instead of the standard depth", remarked one of the workers at the scene.

         Because of the large size of the broken line and the volumes of gas leaking into the air, firefighters and law enforcement personnel evacuated several surrounding homes as a precaution.  Vectren Gas Company personnel arrived on the scene within an hour and shut the gas off at a nearby valve.  The area homes were then checked for any possible pockets of gas and occupants were allowed to return.  Greenwood Fire Department also assisted in the evacuation.  

           
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