Partial street collapse damages gas main in downtown Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- A downtown Baltimore street partially collapsed, causing a gas main break, while contractors were working Monday near the University of Maryland, Baltimore, according to the Baltimore Fire Department.

Crews said the road collapsed at West Lexington and Pearl streets, which damaged the gas main. BGE shut off the gas.

"There may be a lingering gas odor, the situation will continue to be monitored," the Baltimore Office of Emergency Management said.

Roads are shut down in the area.

A UMB spokesperson said a great deal of gas was released, enough to make it very unpleasant for some of their employees to walk around in the area. 

UMB closed two administrative office buildings as a precaution.