New Carlisle fire chief Steven Trusty said the building where the leak was reported also houses auto shops, as well as three apartment units on the building’s second story. People in the building at the time and people in the neighboring doctor’s office were evacuated.
New Carlisle first responders called utility companies in after the back side of the building was showing an “explosive range.”
“Gas, when it hits a certain range, is flammable where it will ignite on its own or with a spark,” he said. “We were at that point with the gas, and the only thing we could do at that time was let it vent itself out, let the levels drop.”
It’s unclear what caused the leak. Utility companies were inspecting the incident.
Main Street was closed at Lake Avenue and north for several blocks.
New Carlisle firefighters and Clark County Sheriff’s deputies were on the scene. Also responding to the incident were crews from Pike Twp., which assisted with the evacuation efforts.
“A lot of this was: ‘It’s better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it,’” Trusty said.
About the Author
