Gas Leak Prompts Closure and Evacuation on Tunnel Road in Asheville, N.C.

News Summary

Asheville faced a tense afternoon as authorities responded to two gas leaks. The first led to the closure of Tunnel Road for public safety, with emergency services managing the scene efficiently. A second leak prompted evacuation on North Lexington Avenue. Thanks to the quick actions of local authorities and gas crews, both situations were handled without serious incident, emphasizing community preparedness for emergencies.

Gas Leak Prompts Closure and Evacuation on Tunnel Road in Asheville, N.C.

It was a tense afternoon in Asheville, as reports of a gas leak led to quick action from local authorities. On Friday, part of Tunnel Road was closed to traffic after officials responded to a concerning situation that began around 1 p.m. near White Pine Drive. The closure created a buzz of activity, with both the police and firefighters on site to ensure everyone was safe.

The Asheville Police Department quickly jumped into action, directing traffic in the busy commercial area as they managed the situation. Soon after, crews from Enbridge Gas arrived on the scene. By around 3 p.m., a sigh of relief could be heard as they confirmed that they had successfully secured the flow of the natural gas leaking from a gas line that had been damaged by a third-party contractor.

Although the gas leak was addressed, it was all hands on deck, with crews remaining on-site to conduct repairs and restore service to affected customers. Thankfully, this quick response paid off, and just a little over half an hour later, around 3:39 p.m., Tunnel Road was reopened in both directions, as confirmed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

But it wasn’t just one gas leak that had authorities on alert. Just a short time later, another gas leak was reported on North Lexington Avenue at around 3:12 p.m. The Asheville Fire Department acted swiftly yet again, confirming the smell of gas and promptly evacuating surrounding buildings to ensure everyone’s safety.

Investigators discovered an underground break in the gas line, leading to extensive efforts from Enbridge Gas to evaluate and mitigate any hazards. Thankfully, residents of the affected buildings were able to return home once the area was deemed safe.

Earlier in the month, Asheville had already faced another scare when a gas leak was reported at the restaurant Rhubarb located at 7 Southwest Pack Square. Fire crews found gas levels at about 1% during their investigation on September 4 at around 8:30 a.m. This leak was traced back to a stove with pilot lights still on, and quick action was taken to turn off the stove, neutralizing the danger.

In a precautionary move, nearby restaurant staff at Posana were evacuated during this incident to ensure everyone remained safe as the fire crews assessed the situation.

As the day progressed, the city of Asheville showed its resilience, with local authorities demonstrating their commitment to public safety. These incidents remind residents of the importance of being vigilant and prepared for such unexpected events.

In conclusion, while gas leaks can be alarming, the swift response from both the Asheville Police and Fire Departments, along with the Enbridge Gas crews, highlights the community’s preparedness for emergencies. So if you ever smell gas, be sure to stay alert and reach out to local authorities. They are here to help!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Gas Leak Contained on North Lexington Avenue in Asheville
U.S. Energy Diplomats Address Natural Gas Exports
Asheville Artists Showcase Resilience in Atlanta Post-Hurricane Helene

Additional Resources

• WLOS: Tunnel Road Gas Leak
• Fox Carolina: Gas Leak Evacuation
• Fox Carolina: Neighborhood Evacuation
• WLOS: Downtown Asheville Gas Leak
• Duke Energy: Smell Natural Gas
• Wikipedia: Gas Leak
• Google Search: Gas Leak Asheville
• Google Scholar: Gas Leak Management
• Google News: Gas Leak Asheville