A gas main break in Knoxville caused a significant part of Cumberland Avenue to be shut down this afternoon. The incident was quickly attended by the Knoxville Fire Department and the Knoxville Utilities Board. According to representatives of the KFD, the break occurred around 2:15 p.m., and the section of the road between 20th Street and 22nd Street was consequently closed to traffic and pedestrians.
Immediate response by emergency services ensured that the area was cordoned off quickly to safely to begin repairs. A statement obtained by WVLT-TV confirmed the time and location of the leak. In a bid to minimize the impact on local traffic and ensure public safety, officials have urged people to avoid the affected area.
Additional information provided by the Knoxville Fire Department via WBIR noted that the gas main break has disrupted operations particularly along "the Strip," a busy section of Cumberland Avenue known for its commercial activity and where new apartments are currently under construction.
The Knoxville Utilities Board is actively on scene, working to secure the leak. The KFD reiterated the call for public caution, stating, "Please avoid the area," in a status update shared by Knoxville Fire's X account. As of now, no injuries have been reported, and the teams on site are working diligently to swiftly deal with the situation and restore normalcy to the busy stretch of the avenue.
Cumberland Ave between 20th and 22nd is closed due to a gas main break. KFD is on scene with KUB working to secure the leak. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/1m8Fxp1ruT
— Knoxville Fire (@KnoxvilleFire) July 30, 2024
