Wednesday morning, a contractor hit a 6-inch gas line at the intersection of 16th St and Cucharras, causing it to rupture.
Automated notifications were sent out to people living within a 1 mile radius of the area asking them to evacuate. Multiple fire agencies and Colorado Springs Utilities responded to the scene.
A gas leak at 16th and Cucharras near old Colorado city has evacuated a block radius. @KOAA pic.twitter.com/wS5kNhVMcS
— Adam Knapik (@adamknapik) June 20, 2018
Colorado Springs Police put barricades in place to keep drivers away from the intersection. Residents were asked to avoid the area to allow room for emergency personnel and equipment.
Just after 9 a.m., News 5 learned that the situation was under control and residents were allowed to return to the area.
Colorado Springs Utilities said that 16th Street will remain closed between Cucharras and Vermijo for four to five hours while crews make repairs and clean up the scene.
If you are driving through the area we want to remind you to be mindful of your surrounding as crews will be working in the street.
#Hazmat incident at 1527 W Cucharras. Avoid this area as a one block radius is being evacuated due to 6” NG line break. #reverse911 #naturalgas @CSUtilities in route with equipment #E3 #E1 #HM14 #BC1 pic.twitter.com/rSdH6jbMyz
— CSFD PIO (@CSFDPIO) June 20, 2018