Major gas leak prompts evacuation in downtown Miami

Construction equipment strikes gas line, authorities say

MIAMI – A major gas leak prompted an evacuation Thursday afternoon in downtown Miami.

Miami Department of Fire-Rescue Capt. Ignatius Carroll said crews were called just after 2 p.m. to reports of construction equipment striking a gas line at the intersection of Flagler Street and North Miami Avenue.

"A major gas line, about 4 inches, was struck by some construction equipment," Carroll said.

Carroll said businesses along Flagler Street between North Miami Avenue and Miami Court were evacuated.

"As a result of the amount of gas coming out, we felt the need to evacuate a one block area from Miami Avenue to Miami Court," he said. "Several businesses were shut down (and) several of the high rises were forced to have people shelter in place until we could make the scene safe."

The gas leak was capped shortly after 4 p.m.


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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.