Apartment building temporarily evacuated after gas line severed

CKNX NewsToday

A gas leak east of London's core temporarily forced the evacuation of an apartment building.

Firefighters were called about a severed natural gas line in the area of Pall Mall and William streets around 9:20 a.m. on Tuesday.

"A contractor was doing some work outside of the building and they were digging when they struck a gas line," said London Fire Department Platoon Chief Kirk Loveland.

A multi-storey, mixed used building was evacuated as a precaution and no injuries were reported, Loveland added.

Drivers were also temporarily blocked from the area with streets closed in all directions one block north of the incident.

Enbridge Gas and London Hydro crews were called and shut off gas and power to the area. Both will be restored once the line has been repaired.

Tenants were allowed to return to their units and streets reopened shortly after 10 a.m.

The incident highlights the need for anyone completing underground work to call the proper authorities before digging.

"You want to make sure it is safe where you are digging," said Loveland.

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