Large Natural Gas Leak Contained In Oakland
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A large natural gas leak was contained after construction crews hit a line in Oakland Thursday.
The leak happened at Zulema and Coltart streets and prompted the closure of several roads.
Alert: @PghFireFighters, @PghEMS and @PghPolice are on scene of a large, natural gas leak in Oakland. Citizens are ask to avoid the area of Bates and Zulema streets. More information to follow. pic.twitter.com/ktZ6xKyxk4
— Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) October 7, 2021
The city confirms a PWSA contractor was in the process of replacing three catch basins after getting a permit from the city's Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.
Not only could you hear the hissing sound from the leak for a good while, but you could also smell the gas in the air.
NEW: A spokesperson with @peoplesnatgas says the gas line was shut off. Crews will be working to repair the line today. @KDKA https://t.co/Jqo2Ok631z
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) October 7, 2021
Firefighters took readings, and Public Safety says it was determined that nearby homes didn't need to evacuate.
"The air for the day is not too humid or raining where the gas would settle down, it was able to shoot up in the air and dissipate," said Maurice Matthews with Pittsburgh Public Safety.
A spokesperson with Peoples says the line that was hit runs through the streets of Oakland, and crews are still working to replace part of it. Peoples Gas was able to contain the leak around 2 p.m. after the streets surrounding the intersection were closed for about two hours.