Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s District 5 responded to a possible gas leak at the intersection of Manson Pike and Fortress Boulevard near the construction sites of the new Toyota and Chevy dealerships just after 9:00 Wednesday morning.
The initial report was a strong smell of natural gas in the area. Crews are on scene now evaluating the situation. Construction workers from the Chevrolet dealership were evacuated.
Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management Agency, and Atmos Energy have all been notified.
According to Police/Fire Dispatch, Bill Smith at Manson Pike, Manson Pike at Fortress Boulevard, and the entrance ramp to I-24 are closed until further notice.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
GAS LEAK UPDATE:
According to Shift Commander Daryl Alexander, a construction crew was digging a ditch on site and cut a two inch gas line. Atmos Energy is on scene now trying to get the line shut off. It is unknown when the roads will reopen.
*MFRD is also working another gas line which was cut by a construction crew in front of 4421 Maximillion Court in Puckett Creek Crossing. Ladder 9 is on scene at this time assisting Atmos Energy.
CLARIFICATION:
Initial reports were that the Toyota dealership had been evacuated, but District 5 Captain John Avaritt confirmed that only the Chevrolet dealership was evacuated.
Roads are expected to be closed for at least the next 15-30 minutes.
GAS LEAK UPDATES:
The gas leak at Manson and Fortress has been shut off by Atmos Energy. MFRD and MPD crews have cleared the scene and all roads have opened back up.
Maximillion Gas Leak:
A construction worker had been excavating that area and cut into a four inch gas line. Atmos was on scene when MFRD crews arrived. MFRD stood by while Atmos repaired the lines. According to Captain/Shift Inspector Randy Rae, there was no danger to any residents or to Blackman High School, which was located nearby. “Winds were in our favor today,” said Rae. “Fortunately, they were blowing from the southwest and away from the high school.”