Chaos erupted in Murfreesboro on Saturday when a gas line was struck by construction workers, prompting evacuations and closing down a local thoroughfare. The incident occurred around 11 a.m., according to NewsChannel 5, when an excavator hit a 4-inch gas line near Thompson Lane between Siegel Road and Leanna Road. Officials were swift to respond, with both Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department and Murfreesboro Police Department arriving on scene to address the emergency.
As a result of the rupture, eight individuals, together with a dog and a cat were forced from their homes, reports WSMV. Atmos Energy crews worked diligently to quell the hazard posed by the breached pipe. The leak not only threatened safety but also caused significant disruption, as Thompson Lane was completely shut down due to the evacuation and gas leak.
Fortunately, despite the potential for harm, no injuries were reported. The Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross stepped up, offering assistance to the displaced families, relayed the Murfreesboro TN Police Department in a Facebook post. The local First Baptist Church on E. Main Street opened its doors as a temporary shelter for those affected by the gas leak.
By 9:55 p.m., the situation had been resolved. The Murfreesboro TN Police Department announced on their social media page that Thompson Lane had reopened after Atmos workers contained the leak. Even though the immediate threat had been mitigated, crews were expected to continue repairs into the night to restore gas services to homes. The post also thanked the public for their patience amidst the traffic delays and advised drivers to seek alternate routes during the repairs.
