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Highlands Today

2 Blocks Evacuated After Gas Leak

PEOPLE BACK IN THEIR HOMES AFTER 30 MINUTES

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Sebring firefighters work the scene of a natural gas leak along the Sebring Parkway on Monday. The leak was caused by workers who hit a pipe while excavating the area.

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: February 25, 2008

Updated: 02/25/2008 04:49 pm

SEBRING — Two blocks near Sebring Parkway were evacuated this morning when a construction worker hit a gas line while working on the parkway construction Monday morning.

Sebring Fire Department Deputy Chief Tom Dunn said the four-inch gas line leaked about eight to 10 minutes until Sebring Gas was able to isolate and stop the leak.

No injuries or damages were reported.

Houses and businesses within a 500-yard radius of the leak, at the intersection of Sebring Parkway and North Ridgewood Drive were evacuated, including New Testament Church and Mission, residents of an apartment complex and houses.

"We evacuated the area as a precaution because of the wind," Sebring Fire Chief Brad Batz said. "We didn't want someone downwind finding an ignition source because the gas is highly flammable."

The people were moved to another location, away from the leak, for about 30 minutes. Once the gas had dissipated and the area was determined to be safe, residents were let back into the buildings..

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