UPPER ARLINGTON — Buildings near a busy Upper Arlington intersection were evacuated Monday after a contractor working in the area struck a gas line, city officials said.
West Lane Avenue is closed at North Star Road while Columbia Gas of Ohio crews work to locate and contain the leak. The city announced the closure and evacuations in a social media post and asked the public to avoid the area.
Officials did not immediately say what time the leak was reported, how many buildings were evacuated, or how long the North Star Road closure would last. A city spokesperson could not immediately be reached for additional information.
Striking an underground line during digging or construction work is one of the most common causes of gas leaks, and utility officials routinely urge anyone planning to dig to call 811 first so buried lines can be marked.
Drivers who normally use West Lane Avenue through the North Star Road intersection should plan alternate routes until the city announces the road has reopened. NewsForce247 will update this story as officials release more information about the leak and the cleanup.