RAPID CITY, S.D. – Knollwood Drive has reopened after emergency crews responded to a natural gas leak caused by a construction accident in Rapid City.
Shortly before noon Wednesday, workers struck an estimated four-inch natural gas line, prompting a response from the Rapid City Fire Department, Montana-Dakota Utilities, and Black Hills Energy.
As a precaution, a portion of the nearby Oglala Lakota College campus was evacuated, and power was temporarily shut off to several surrounding businesses due to the location of an electrical box near the leak.
Fire officials say favorable wind conditions helped direct the escaping gas into an open field, reducing the risk to nearby buildings. Because heavy equipment could not safely be used near the leak, utility crews dug by hand on both sides of the damaged line before successfully clamping it off and stopping the flow of gas.
Rapid City Fire Chief Josh Lange says gas leak calls have become more common as the city continues to grow and construction activity increases.
Utility crews remained on scene to complete repairs, but officials say the roadway has reopened and the area is safe.
Residents and contractors are reminded to call 811 before digging to have underground utilities marked and to call 911 immediately if they suspect a gas leak.
Comments