Gas line rupture disrupts downtown Dayton

Natural gas service to the east side of downtown Dayton was disrupted for most of the day Thursday when work crews ruptured a gas main.

Gas was visibly shooting into the air and an evacuation was ordered in the area of First and Patterson streets. The break was reported at 10:15 a.m. and Vectren turned off gas service to the area around noon. Crews had the break fixed and gas service restored to the area by 6:15 p.m.

There were no immediate reports of illnesses caused by the leak. Several residents tried to re-enter the vacuation area to get pets. Classes were cancelled at Miami Jacobs College for the day.

Below is how the events played out:

UPDATE @ 6:15 p.m.: Gas service to the affected area has been restored, said Natalie Hedde, director of corporate communication for Vectren.

FIRST REPORT

A “major” gas leak that forced the evacuation of a two-block radius of downtown Dayton has now been shut down.

Crews reportedly hit an unmarked gas line at First and Patterson streets. Vectren was able to shut down the gas off just before noon.

The incident caused Miami Jacobs College to closed classes for the remainder of the day. Several people in the area remain without gas.

It is unclear how many people were affected. The break was reported around 10:15 a.m.

Gas was seen shooting up through the street. There were no immediate reports of illness.

Some people living in the area requested permission to enter the evacuated area and get their pets out, according to initial reports.

The streets near the leak remain blocked as of noon.

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