Marquette University experienced a disruption this morning due to a gas leak spurred by a construction mishap at the intersection of 17th and Clybourn. Alerted to the incident around 7:45 AM, the Marquette Police promptly issued a notification via their X account, indicating the pungent scent of gas that had begun permeating the air near the southern edge of the campus. Following the alert, We Energies crews arrived on the scene with haste, sealing the leak by approximately 8 AM, as reported by WTMJ.
Even though the contractor in question was not affiliated with We Energies, crews rapidly responded to secure the area, stopping the flow of escaping gas hit by the company. In the wake of the event, Marquette University issued an all-clear at 8:34 AM, citing that the residual smell of gas might persist as it gradually cleared the vicinity, as noted by FOX6 News.
No injuries were associated with the incident, underscoring a fortunate conclusion to what could have veered toward a catastrophic event, given the proximity of the leak to several university buildings, including the Physician Assistant Studies building, Marquette University NROTC, and other facilities. The quick response from emergency services and university officials facilitated the prompt evacuation and subsequent re-entry after the leak was contained.
Several university buildings, including the closed Helfaer Tennis Stadium and Recreation Center, stood not far from where the leak occurred, anchoring the tangible sense of potential danger. "A company, or someone doing work not related to We Energies, hit one of our gas lines or equipment. We have crews on the scene," We Energies conveyed in a statement obtained by WISN 12 News, capturing the nature of the day's events that had unfolded near the bustling university campus life.
