[May 16, 2013]    

According to Chief Mark Miller, the Lincoln Fire Department responded to a call of a gas leak on Keokuk at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.  "A contractor finishing work on the fiber-optic line install struck a 2-inch gas line, causing an uncontrollable release of natural gas. Four homes were evacuated and/or occupants were not home at the time. LFD checked the homes and stood by while Ameren Cilco dug up and stopped the leak," Miller said.

The department was on the scene three hours and used assistance from Logan Emergency Management Agency, Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln Street Department and off-duty firefighters who responded to other calls in the city of Lincoln.

Pictures by Nila Smith

The city police and fire departments closed down traffic on Keokuk during the emergency.

Traffic coming in from the east was rerouted.

 

A semi driver takes a right turn in hopes of finding another route through town.

Side streets were also blocked off so traffic could not get near the dangerous gas leak.

 

Looking onto Keokuk from the west, crews are at work trying to repair the cut. Emergency services are on standby.

At Union Street, drivers have the choice of detouring north to the 55 loop or south toward Fifth Street.