Manhattan, IL – On Tuesday March 12, at approximately 8:24 AM, the Manhattan Fire District was called for a reported smell of natural gas in the area of Burns and Gougar Road in the Village of Manhattan.
Manhattan Fire units arrived on the scene within four minutes of the initial call for service. Peoples Gas was already on the scene of the incident for a ruptured pipeline. The scene was immediately secured within a one-mile radius of the incident in each direction.
All special populations, including public and private schools and childcare centers were immediately notified of the gas leak. Each facility’s air quality has been monitored for the safety of the children and staff. All school and childcare centers were cleared to resume normal daily activity indoors, but were advised to avoid outdoor activities and to shut off building ventilation systems.
Peoples Gas has secured the natural gas leak.
There is no immediate risk to the public. However, residents are advised to stay indoors, keep the windows closed, and to turn off your homes ventilation system until the smell dissipates. An update will be provided when it is clear to resume normal activities.
The MABAS 19 Hazmat Team was called to assist with additional monitoring. Will County EMA was also on-scene to assist at the scene of the incident.
