A garbage truck that struck an underground gas service line outside Highland Towers, a 12-story senior apartment building in Southfield, set off an unplanned evacuation on Wednesday morning that was not exactly the wake-up call residents had in mind. Seniors were moved out of the tower and kept cool on air-conditioned school buses while fire crews and emergency responders worked to stop the leak and clear the building for reentry.
What happened
Officials say the situation started when a truck on the property hit a gas service line at the Highland Towers complex on Greenfield Road, prompting a full-building evacuation. According to FOX 2 Detroit, crews stayed on scene while residents were told to wait at a safe distance in the parking lot. The station identifies the building as Highland Towers at 25225 Greenfield Road.
Fire chief's update
Southfield Fire Chief Joey Thorington told ClickOnDetroit that a garbage truck struck a three-inch gas service line below the shutoff valve, which meant crews could not immediately close it and led to the 911 call. Firefighters then went door-to-door to alert residents, while Southfield Public Schools provided air-conditioned buses so many seniors could wait comfortably as the building was aired out. Fire and police crews coordinated the response on site until utility workers could make the line safe.
Crews cap the line
Officials told The Detroit News that Consumers Energy workers initially thought they would need to break through concrete to remove the damaged service line. In the end, they were able to cap the line at ground level without digging it out. According to the city, firefighters checked all 12 floors and found no gas before residents were allowed back into their homes. The Southfield Police Department provided additional support during the evacuation, and the Parks and Recreation Department prepared the City Hall atrium as a backup refuge area, the paper reported.
Safety reminders
According to the American Gas Association, natural gas is odorized so that leaks are often noticeable by smell. Anyone who suspects a leak is advised to leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe location. The association warns against using phones, flipping light switches, or starting vehicles near a suspected leak, since any spark can ignite escaping gas. City officials asked residents to follow instructions from first responders and to monitor official Southfield communication channels for any updates.
Property listings confirm that Highland Towers is a senior housing community at 25225 Greenfield Road. City officials said they will share more information if service or access changes are needed while repairs are completed. For now, crews reported that the situation is contained and tenants are being allowed back into their apartments once safety checks are finished.
