A gas leak Tuesday afternoon prompted officials to close a section of Interstate 94 in northwest Indiana, disrupting traffic for several hours as emergency crews scrambled to address the issue. As reported by CBS News Chicago, the gas leak occurred near the Ameriplex complex, just north of I-94 and adjacent to a Bass Pro Shops store. The Portage Fire Department quickly responded to the scene, where a visible cloud of gas was seen rising into the sky from the compromised underground pipeline.

Here is a video of the damaged gas line that is causing the dangerous conditions requiring I-94 to be shut down. Video courtesy of the Portage Fire Department. pic.twitter.com/cu6RFBho6C

— Sgt. Glen Fifield (@ISPLowell2) August 13, 2024

Citing Indiana State Police, Fox 2 Detroit noted that Sgt. Glen Fifield confirmed the closure of I-94 in both directions, suggesting detours, as the leak happened near Bass Pro Shop and State Road 249. The highway closure, first recorded around 12:40 p.m., was expected to persist while the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) conducted checks in the area for further gas readings and worked on securing the leak.

Motorists were advised to find alternative routes to circumvent the closed portion of the interstate, implicating a likely disruption to the expected flow of afternoon commuters. "I-94 will remain closed as crews work to repair the damaged gas line and contain the leak," stated officials, as per Fox 2 Detroit. The visible cloud of gas prompted a quick reaction from the authorities, emphasizing the potential risks associated with a high-pressure gas leak of this nature.