Gas leak closes road, residents are evacuated for a short time

Posted July 20, 2016 at 2:17 pm

A natural gas line break that was reported shortly before 5 p.m. last Friday afternoon, July 15 caused some temporary tension and concern for residents who live just west of Albany on Copeland Drive, between Hwy. 1590 and the Old Burkesville Road.

According to Albany Dispatch, report of the break on Copeland Drive, which is also located behind the radio station, came in at 4:55 p.m.

According to at least one area resident, some people in the neighborhood became concerned when they noticed a strong, toxic-like odor along the Copeland Drive area last Friday afternoon. Residents then contacted the gas company and 911 Dispatch, which in turn also alerted the gas company. Other emergency services agenices were dispatched to the area as well.

The break caused the evacuation of several residences along that road and also prompted shutting down Copeland Drive to through traffic as a precaution to residents and the public.

The gas company brought a backhoe to the scene and made repairs, apparently replacing a portion of broken line.

The road was reopened and residents allowed back into their homes at approximately 9:30 p.m., or about four and a half hours after the initial break.

Several emergency personnel were also on the scene helping with the evacuation process, including Director of Emergency Services Lonnie Scott, the Albany Fire Department, and some local enforcement officials, who helped contain the area and kept the roadway blocked at both ends while repairs to the line were being made.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.