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Downtown Geneseo evacuated after gas line was accidentally breached

Downtown Geneseo evacuated after main gas line break.
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UPDATE: According to the City Of Geneseo Facebook page, the emergency alert has been lifted and the evacuations of homes and businesses are no longer necessary.

At around 5:30 p.m., A police officer at the scene told News 8 that the gas leak was fixed.

No injuries were reported and leaders say the area that was blocked off by fire trucks and police cars is now safe to return to.

Crews will now work to have gas service restored to properties impacted.

 

GENESEO, Illinois - A third-party contractor struck a Nicor Gas line in downtown Geneseo on Tuesday, according to a Nicor Gas spokesperson.

The gas line breach led to the evacuations of homes and businesses near downtown.

Fire Chief Brad Cotty says the evacuation was precautionary.

Several city blocks were closed. Fire trucks and police cars blocked traffic.

The breach happened near the corner of State Street and First Street.

Police say they arrived on the scene just before 10:00 a.m. on June 2.

"We did have some people that were experiencing headaches and things like that, but other than that no injuries to report," said Police Chief Casey Disterhoft.

As Nicor Gas crews arrived on the scene, machines were used to rip away the concrete and begin underground repairs of the gas line.

City leaders say downtown will remain evacuated and closed until further notice.

Initial estimates show the repairs lasting late into the evening.

Business owner Katie Kutsunis says she is happy to know her employees and customers are all safe.

She hopes her and her team will be back to work by July 3.

 

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