Residents Allowed Back In Area After Major Gas Leak Capped In Grosse Pointe Woods

GROSSE POINTE WOODS (WWJ) - Residents in the area of Allard Road, just west of Mack Ave., in Grosse Pointe Woods have been allowed back into their homes and businesses after a "major gas leak" forced them out early Thursday.

Grosse Pointe Woods Director of Public Safety John Kosanke said a DTE subcontractor doing some utility work caused the problem - forcing people in homes and businesses within a four-block radius out of the area.

"They went to pull up come concrete and accidentally pulled the 60-pound gas line; so that is broken an it's free-flowing," Kosanke said, speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950, shortly after 11 a.m.. "DTE is on the scene and we're going to be out here probably for the next four to five hours."

Kosanke said businesses in the immediate area, including a Starbucks and Flagstar bank, and homes from Mack down to Bramcaster were evacuated.

Shortly after 5 p.m. folks in the area got a reprieve.

"Residents and businesses will not be allowed to return to their homes and businesses as a precautionary measure until work is completed by DTE and the scene is again made safe," DTE warned residents in an earlier statement.

No injuries were reported.