Evacuated Hamilton residents return home after gas leak
Residents have returned to about 10 east Hamilton homes evacuated for a severe natural gas leak.
Streets were reopened around Victoria Avenue North and Robert Street after technicians from the utility company were able to successfully contain the leak caused by damage to a natural gas line during recent repairs to the road and water main.
Firefighters appreciated how quickly residents acted once they were notified the requirement to evacuate their homes for their own safety," assistant deputy fire chief Steve Welton said in a statement. Emergency crews worked as quickly as possible to make the situation safe for everyone to return to their homes"
A very strong natural gas odour was reported Friday around 7 p.m., resulting in Victoria Avenue being sealed off from Cannon Street East to Barton Street East right at Hamilton General Hospital.
It was possible to smell the gas from the hospital," Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) said in a statement.
It was investigated to ensure the leak wasn't within the regional trauma centre before it was found to be outside.
The city gas leak did not affect normal hospital clinical activities on Friday," said HHS.
The cause was found by responding firefighters who discovered damage to a natural gas line with a diameter of about 8 cm. Welton said road and water main repairs were to blame.
The gas line could be heard leaking large quantities of natural gas," said Welton. Given the severity of natural gas being released, Platoon Chief Sherwood tasked firefighting crews to begin notifying several area homes to evacuate or shelter in place for their safety."
An HSR bus was brought in so residents from the 10 homes could shelter from the cold while emergency repairs were underway.
Fire crews were pre-emptively set up to fight a blaze, if required.
They were assigned to continuously monitor the air with flammable gas detectors," said Welton.
Firefighters remained on scene throughout Friday evening and Saturday morning until the utility company technicians were able to make repairs.
Police told the Spectator Friday night that no injuries were reported.
Alessia Passafiume is an intern reporter with The Spectator. Reach her via email: apassafiume@thespec.com
Joanna Frketich is a Hamilton-based reporter covering health for The Spectator. Reach her via email: jfrketich@thespec.com