Residents and commuters in South Florida experienced disruptions on Presidents' Day due to a pair of gas leaks that prompted urgent repairs. In Miami, a ruptured gas line near West Flagler Street precipitated closures between Northwest First and Second avenues. The incident, reported by WSVN, resulted in the deployment of a hazmat team to contain the leak. As a precaution, local law enforcement advised the public to steer clear of the impacted zone pending further notice.
Meanwhile, a vehicular incident compounded the day's gas-related challenges further north in Fort Lauderdale. A car collision with Anthony’s Runway 84 on State Road 84 inadvertently fractured a gas line. Witnesses told authorities, including Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, about the smell of gas following the accident. The WSVN report indicates that emergency crews, alongside Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue’s hazmat unit, addressed and capped the leak within approximately 40 minutes.
As crews worked to mitigate the gas leaks, traffic disruptions were inevitable. The Miami Police Department issued an alert via their X account, informing the public of the temporary closure on W. Flagler Street and urging drivers to find alternative routes. The post emphasized the importance of avoiding the area to ensure safety and to facilitate the work of emergency responders.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Due to a natural-gas leak we have temporarily closed W. Flagler Street between NW 1 and 2 Avenues. Please avoid this area.. MV pic.twitter.com/pBP6I709gs
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) February 16, 2026
