Damaged gas line prompts building evacuation in downtown Winnipeg: Manitoba Hydro
Multiple buildings in downtown Winnipeg were evacuated Wednesday morning due to a damaged gas line.
Manitoba Hydro tweeted that a high-pressure gas line was damaged near 185 Smith Street, and a building across the street was evacuated.
Hydro said the gas leak was reported shortly after 10:30 a.m.
WFPS District Chief Terry Kelly said construction crews were working on the building when they drilled into a six-inch gas line.
“We checked the buildings to make sure that no gas got into buildings, evacuated buildings that had the smell of gas, shut down the ventilation systems for all these buildings, and proceeded to assist Hydro until they could get the gas leak shut off,” said WFPS District Chief Terry Kelly.
The gas was shut off by Hydro to allow crews to repair the damage safely. This resulted in about 30 customers temporarily losing their gas service.
Multiple buildings were evacuated despite Hydro being able to turn off the supply to the gas line quickly.
Displaced downtown residents could be seen in the area, some holding pets and still dressed in pajamas.
“They told us there was a gas leak in the opposite apartment and we need to get out,” said one resident.
Another resident, who wasn’t home at the time of the leak, told CTV News he was blocked from returning and had no idea when they were going to allow him access to his apartment.
Kelly said the roaring gas wasn’t a threat outside, but the surrounding buildings were drawing it in and that becomes a source where it can collect and find an ignition, potentially resulting in a fire or explosion.
“We don’t want no vehicles, sources of ignition anywhere near (the scene). We don’t want anyone in these buildings in case this blows,” said Kelly.
Repair times are unknown, according to Hydro, and are dependent on the damage done to the pipe that crews are currently excavating.
People are being asked to avoid the area.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.