A firefighter sprays down a nearby home after a gas line was ruptured sparking a fire on Central Avenue, September 1, 2023. Photo courtesy of the London Fire DepartmentA firefighter sprays down a nearby home after a gas line was ruptured sparking a fire on Central Avenue, September 1, 2023. Photo courtesy of the London Fire Department.
London

Backhoe ruptures gas line downtown

Flames could be seen shooting several feet into the air after a backhoe severed a natural gas line in London's historic Woodfield neighbourhood Friday.

Firefighters were called to the gas leak in the front yard of a home on Central Avenue just east of Wellington Street shortly after 10 a.m. When crews arrived flames were coming up from a hole in the ground. Firefighters used their hoses to spray down nearby structures to keep the fire from spreading.

Enbridge Gas crews worked to shut off gas to the area and repair the ruptured line.

No injuries were reported, fire officials confirmed.

Central Avenue between Wellington and Waterloo streets were closed as a precaution. The road was reopened around 12:40 p.m.

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