A gas leak in Worcester led to an evacuation on Park Avenue as emergency crews, including firefighters and utility workers, sprung into action earlier today. According to a Telegram & Gazette report, the leak originated from 538 Park Ave. and the Deputy Fire Chief Adam Roche revealed that gas levels in the building were "right now is above its explosive range."
Residents and businesses within the vicinity were hastily evacuated. While they were addressing the situation, a portion of Park Avenue—from Maywood Street to Beaver Street—remained cordoned off for several hours. Making matters quickly less dangerous, crews turned off the gas and electricity to prevent potential ignition. As the Deputy Fire Chief stated, the utility company worked to ensure that "there would be no possible 'ignition source,'" told the T&G. And although, a lingering gas smell perforated the air for hours following the call.
In a post update, the City of Worcester's X page indicated, "there is no present concern for surrounding dwellings," offering some much-needed reassurance to the public.
Due to a contained gas leak, a portion of Park Avenue at Maywood Street has been closed.
— City of Worcester (@TweetWorcester) January 22, 2024
Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route while the issue is addressed by the utility company. The @WorcesterFD is on scene. There is no present concern for surrounding dwellings. pic.twitter.com/YGiILATQKX
By the early afternoon, following a thorough ventilation of the compromised property, safety crews started to wrap up their on-site operation. Except for a few Eversource representatives, personnel were clear to leave the scene. Traffic along Park Avenue was expected to return to its usual patterns as the last crew departed shortly after 1 p.m. Roche reported the successful clearing of the area to the T&G.
