May 10--OAK RIDGE -- About 100 people were briefly evacuated Friday morning after a pickup struck a gas meter at an apartment complex, rupturing a 2-inch natural gas line, Oak Ridge firefighters said.
Fire Chief Darryl Kerley said the sound of gas escaping from the ruptured line at Broadway Apartments, East Madison Road off Michigan Avenue, could be heard from 200 yards away. Firefighters received the call at 8:37 a.m., Kerley said.
Apartment residents as well as children in the nearby day care center at Chapel-on-the-Hill Church were evacuated, Kerley said, along with others in an area between Michigan and Kentucky avenues. The apartments are next to the historic Alexander Inn, about to be renovated and converted into an assisted living center.
Fire Department Battalion Chief Jody Durham said it appeared an F-150 pickup slipped out of gear and hit the meter. A crew with Oak Ridge Utility District shut the leak down, Kerley said.
More details as they develop online and in Saturday's News Sentinel.
Copyright 2013 - The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Tenn.
