Fort Worth, Texas: A panic situation arose after a gas leak was detected in downtown Fort Worth, specifically near the intersection of 7th Street and Commerce. Due to the leak, buildings and businesses in the area were evacuated.
The fire department reported that a gas leak occurred on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at the intersection of 7th and Commerce Streets in downtown Fort Worth. The leak was discovered at the site where construction teams were working on a gas main line that had broken.
“Police, fire department, and Atmos are on the scene,” stated police authorities on X soon before 1:30 p.m. “We will advise when the area has reopened.”
— Fort Worth Fire Department (@FortWorthFire) January 19, 2024
The Fort Worth Fire Department was notified of a natural gas leak at approximately 12:45 p.m. Upon the arrival of firemen, individuals were observed voluntarily evacuating from establishments in the vicinity, where construction teams had been operating and a gas line had suffered a rupture, as stated by fire officials on social media.
Officials reported that fire responders could not detect any air quality problems in nearby establishments, and the gas quickly dispersed due to the strong wind outside. The gas supply in the vicinity was disconnected immediately.
Fire officials stated in their statement at approximately 2:30 p.m. that there is now no imminent danger to the area.
The leak is the second incident reported in downtown within a week following an explosion on January 8th.
The explosion caused significant damage to the Sandman Signature Hotel, resulting in the collapse of two floors and injuring 21 individuals. The blast is believed to have originated in the hotel’s basement. The inquiry into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, however, fire officials posit that it is linked to natural gas.
Officials said that a leak outside the 777 Main St. tower, which was found on Tuesday, was successfully fixed by Thursday. As a result, two restaurants located in the building were able to resume their operations. The leak on Friday is near the 777 Main building.
According to reports, The Capital Grille located at the intersection of 7th and Main, and the Little Red Wasp located at the intersection of 8th and Main were evacuated due to a leak that occurred on Friday.
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