Melvindale gas main ruptures, causes road closures and business evacuations
MELVINDALE, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The Melvindale Police Department is alerting residents about business evacuations and road closures in place due to a ruptured gas main.
Police said a gas main was ruptured Friday morning as a contractor was doing underground pipework.
Due to the rupture, Greenfield Road between Allen and Schaefer roads is closed to traffic.
"We have been advised they are having issues with turning the gas main off. DTE, the Fire Department, and the Police are on the scene," said Melvindale police. "We are being told they are working on bypassing the line but it may take up to this Sunday to shut off."
Businesses in the area of the gas leak were evacuated.
DTE Energy and fire officials say residential neighborhoods will not be affected.
Emergency crews will be in the area until it is resolved.
The Melvindale Police Department will notify residents if they are told by workers on-site and DTE Energy officials that neighborhoods are compromised and need to be evacuated.
"This morning, our teams responded to an incident in Melvindale where our natural gas main was struck by a third party. A temporary barrier is in place for safe road traffic, while DTE crews work to make repairs. We urge all residents, in any situation, if you smell or suspect a gas leak to leave the area at once, call 911, then call DTE at 800.947.5000 (or your natural gas provider), to report the situation," DTE said in a statement.
Melvindale Mayor Nicole Shkira said DTE may not be able to turn off the gas until early Monday or Tuesday.
"DTE has informed me that they are trying to get the gas turned off as soon as possible and that they also have staff on scene keeping the area safe and secured," Shkira said in a statement.