Enbridge Gas is working to stop a gas leak on Albert Street North this afternoon.
Earlier today, while sidewalk work was being carried out along the street, workers hit a gas main, which caused a leak that led to the evacuation of nearby residents within its danger zone.
As of 5 p.m., Enbridge workers continue to work on addressing the leak, which has been partially contained as hoses siphon off the gas to keep it from dispersing into the air.
Orillia Fire Chief Michael Clark said the fire department was alerted of the leak at 10:24 a.m. this morning.
“They were working on the sidewalk and they hit a reasonably large main, so they did evacuate some of the homes,” he said. “Firefighters checked the area, (and) the danger zone was not very large, about 60 feet in diameter, (so people were) evacuated from that area.”
Franco Bassoriello, who lives nearby on Penetang Street, said some of his family lives within the leak’s danger zone and left as work was carried out.
“I heard a big bang, and I thought it was just regular (excavation),” he said. “And then I kind of walked out and my sister said that they were evacuating the street because there was a gas leak.
“So I looked down the street, and there was a large hissing sound," Bassoriello explained.
People throughout the downtown area reported a noxious smell of natural gas throughout the day.
An on-site Enbridge Gas employee said they hope to have things fixed later today.
At 6:45 p.m., the gas leak was stopped by workers, Enbridge representatives said in a statement.
Gas main repairs, however, will not be completed until tomorrow, and 11 customers will be without gas for the evening.
