South Smithville Road was reopened around 3:30 p.m.
A mower hit a gas meter and caused the leak. Vectren plugged the regulator and will have to replace a valve. When asked about the potential for an explosion, Capt. Cockayne said, “There is always the potential for gas to leak in to your home and find an ignition source. That’s the danger that would cause an explosion.”
UPDATE @ 3:08 p.m.
The leak was shut off just after 3 p.m.
Children from Immaculate Conception School will be walked out of the building through the back exit, but South Smithville will remain shut down for at least the next 10 minutes, police said.
UPDATE @ 2:44 p.m.
Immaculate Conception School won’t dismiss at 2:45 p.m. as usual. Students and staff will stay inside the school until it is safe.
The roaring gas leak has shut down South Smithville Road between Watervliet and Woodbine avenues.
Some homes were evacuated, but the school is on lockdown.
UPDATE @ 2:28 p.m.
The leak is reported to be on the south side of South Smithville Road, adjacent to Immaculate Conception Church and school.
One Vectren truck has arrived on scene.
FIRST REPORT
A gas leak is forcing some evacuations and is blocking the the road in the 2300 block of South Smithville Road.
The outdoor high-pressure gas line leak was reported around 1:50 p.m. Vectren and the Dayton Fire Department were called to the scene.
We are on the way and will update this report as we learn details.