Logan gas line rupture causes evacuation

On Nov. 14 at around 4 p.m., the Logan City Fire Department was paged to respond to a ruptured natural gas line at 1400 N. 800 E.

John Fullmer, the Logan City Fire Department battalion chief, responded to the call and said it was caused after a construction crew working on “core drilling” hit a “pretty significant” line, which was 5-8 inches in diameter and made of steel pipe.

“Dominion Energy is having to drill three different holes, and they’re actually welding something on top of the pipe that allows them to put a balloon down through where they’ll be able to seal it off in three different locations, and then the leak will finally be stopped,” Fullmer said.

After the rupture occurred, Fullmer said they evacuated the Maverik and told nearby businesses and residences to shelter in place.

“As far as gas line breaks go, this is one of the bigger ones I’ve been on in my career,” Fullmer said.

Fullmer said the Logan City Fire Department stayed for at least three and a half hours, but Dominion Energy stayed through most of the night.

The gas line rupture caused road closures in four directions at the intersection, which only added to the traffic for the Utah State University basketball game.

Utah State University sent out an alert to all USU students warning them to steer clear of the area.

The alert read, “First responders and utility crews have closed traffic access in the area. Please check with your local media sources for up-to-date information. If needed, more information from Utah State University will follow.”

Oakridge Student Apartments assistant property manager Bryan Draper also sent out an email to Oakridge residents.

“The fire department recently stopped by the office to inform us that there is a gas leak near the area,” the email said. “As a friendly reminder, if you smell or notice any signs of a gas leak at any time, please call the authorities.”

-Jacee.Caldwell@usu.edu

Featured photo by Bailey Rigby