Gas Leak That Forced Evacuations In Downtown Denver Stopped
DENVER (AP/CBS4) - The Denver Fire Department evacuated several buildings in downtown Denver Tuesday morning after construction crews damaged a 10-inch high pressure natural gas line.
Spokesman Mark Watson says crews from Xcel spent much of the day trying to turn off the gas near the University of Colorado Denver campus. The finally got the leak stopped in the afternoon, ending the risk of explosion.
The intersection of 14th and Lawrence streets had to be closed for the repairs. Watson didn't know how many buildings or people were affected.
Watson said evacuees were sent downwind and other nearby buildings were told to shut off their air vents to prevent a gas buildup.
Gas was also turned off at several of the large downtown hotels.
One man used a jackhammer to reach the line, which was buried about three feet below ground. Another worker was using a wand to check the air for gas levels.
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)