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. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.