A natural gas leak in Greenback, Tennessee, led to the evacuation of residents within a 1,000-foot radius and the temporary closure of a section of Highway 95 on Thursday morning. According to WVLT, the Loudon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) announced the road closures at Highway 411 and Tarwater Road following the leak discovery around the 7400 block of Highway 95. The LCSO, along with the Greenback Volunteer Fire Department, responded to the emergency.

The closures were expected to last until 11 a.m., but roads were reopened earlier than anticipated, around 10:30 a.m., as stated by the LCSO. WATE reported that despite the road reopening, emergency responders remained on the scene along with utility crews who conducted the necessary repairs. The LCSO urged the public to avoid the area and adhere to instructions from officials, emphasizing, "Your safety is our top priority."

This incident caused considerable disruption in the community, as evacuations required residents and businesses within the immediate vicinity to vacate the premises for their safety. In a statement obtained by WVLT, officials with the LCSO highlighted the collaboration between deputies and local firefighters as they worked to manage the crisis, ensuring the leak was contained and the risk to the public minimized.

While the leak did not result in any reported injuries, the response from emergency services showcases the vital importance of readiness for unforeseen events. WBIR noted that the LCSO continued to advise the public to stay clear of the affected area even after the road was reopened, until the situation was fully resolved and the area declared safe.