Originally published by THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
At least 200 people were evacuated Wednesday after Dallas Fire-Rescue crews were alerted to a gas leak in Old East Dallas, a department spokesman said.
Dallas Fire-Rescue’s hazardous materials team was called about 1 p.m. regarding the smell of natural gas at Willow Street and Exposition Avenue, near the Deep Ellum area.
Fire department spokesman Jason Evans said the source of the odor “is reportedly a 4-inch gas main” near the intersection.
Residents and employees from businesses in the area had been evacuated. Evans said about 5 p.m. Wednesday that residents were allowed back to their homes after the gas line was clamped off and readings returned to a safe level.
Dallas police had blocked off the 3800 block of Commerce Street as well as Exposition Avenue between 1st Avenue and Ash Lane, Evans said.
An Atmos Energy spokesman said technicians were at the scene working on repairs. She said a construction crew unrelated to Atmos was doing work at the intersection and damaged a natural gas pipeline. It’s unclear when repairs would be complete.
While Dallas Fire-Rescue’s evacuation order was lifted, residents may still experience traffic delays in the area, the Atmos spokeswoman said.
