Gas Leak Causes Evacuation South Of Bloomington

(BLOOMINGTON) – A major gas leak occurred around 1:00 a.m. Wednesday morning in Southern Monroe County.

Portions of South Old State Road 37, Ketcham Road and Smithville Road were temporarily closed due to the major gas leak.

A fallen tree damaged a five-inch natural gas line causing several homes to be evacuated and road closures to occur. A deafening hissing sound alerted nearby residents who then notified emergency responders.

Fire units arrived on the scene to find a major natural gas leak, large enough to manipulate nearby trees. A safety perimeter was put into place and Monroe County Sheriff’s Department evacuated the residents.

Evacuees were sent to the Southside Christian Church on Empire Mill Road.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Monroe Fire Protection District, Vectern and Duke Energy all responded to the incident.