Seven buildings evacuated due to gas leak

Author: Dennis Brown

A crew preparing to repair a broken water line Monday at the University of Notre Dame struck a 4-inch gas line with a backhoe, causing a gas leak that led to the precautionary evacuation of seven buildings on campus.

There were no injuries associated with the accident, which occurred at approximately 1:40 p.m. onSt. Josephs Drive near the Hesburgh Library. Crews from Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) were called in immediately to assist with repairing the gas line. The flow of gas spewing into the air dissipated substantially when the line was clamped at 3:25 p.m.

Stepan Chemistry Hall, Nieuwland Science Hall, Malloy Hall, Decio Hall, OShaughnessy Hall, Riley Hall of Arts and Design and the Radiation Laboratory were evacuated. Faculty, staff and students who were in the buildings at the time of the accident were allowed to reenter later in the afternoon to gather their personal belongings.

The buildings are expected to fully reopen Tuesday.

TopicID: 21203