CORNWALL – Around a dozen Cornwall residents had to be evacuated from a city neighbourhood near the Three Nations Bridge after a natural gas line was partially severed Monday afternoon.
Cornwall firefighters were called at 3:04 p.m. to Seymour Avenue, just south of Pine Street.
Platoon Chief Pierre Baril told Cornwall Newswatch a city-hired contractor was replacing a water line when the gas main was punctured.
“As far as I know all the proper permits were obtained and (the contractor) just a little bad luck that the line seemed to be possibly off and too much main line was breached,” Baril said.
The leak was covered with dirt from the dig site until Union Gas crews arrived shortly after it started.
“They’re (Union Gas employees) doing a great job. They are very good, they’re fast,” Baril added.
As of 6 p.m., Union Gas workers were digging in a location down the street to be able the crimp the natural gas line until a repair can be made.
Baril said all the residents on Seymour Avenue, as well as Pine Lane, were evacuated as a precaution.
The platoon chief anticipated the repair will take a couple of hours, meaning residents may be able to return later tonight. The Red Cross was also called a precaution.
There are no reported injuries.
Traffic is also restricted in the area. Seymour is closed between Water and First and Pine Street and Pine Lane are also closed.