NATURAL GAS LEAK FORCES DOWNTOWN EVACUATION
A large gas leak in Belleville, Ont., has forced the evacuation of the city’s core. Belleville police Staff Sgt. Sheri Meek says all affected residents were transported to the nearby Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre shortly after 5 p.m. Monday. She says the fire department kept the area closed for the rest of the day. Meek says there were no injuries. A six inch gas main was ruptured by the contractor in the City Centre Revitalization Project on Front Street. Belleville Fire & Emergency Services Deputy Chief Greatrix set up a unified Incident Command Centre in conjunction with the Belleville Police Service on Pinnacle Street and Campbell Street. Union Gas and Veridian Corporation are on site. The power was shut down. Union Gas shut off the main valves of the gas main so that Union Gas could repair the line. All people were asked to not enter the area until the area has been declared safe by emergency services. “This is a most unfortunate situation that has occurred,” stated Mayor Christopher Taso. “Although this situation is of great inconvenience and will have a financial impact on a number of businesses and individuals, we are very fortunate this has occurred while heating issues are not of concern. As your mayor, I ask for your calm and for your cooperation as the Emergency Crews undertake their work. As of now, there have been no reports of injury or property damage.”