Big gas leak near Seattle Center shuts down several businesses
SEATTLE - A big gas leak Saturday morning led to the evacuation of several businesses and the closure of a major intersection near the Seattle Center for several hours.
Construction crews ruptured the 4-inch natural gas line at 5th Avenue and Broad Street around 10 a.m. Police then shut down the intersection and evacuated several area businesses, including the Experience Music Project.
The Seattle Monorail, whose tracks roll right over the scene, was also shut down as a precaution.
The evacuations were only part of the problem, as the closure of major streets in the area snarled traffic.
"We have groups of people trying to come and they said it was just stopped on the freeway, not even moving," said Noelle Johnson, who was visiting the Seattle Center.
On top of the usual weekend crowds, thousands of people were trying to get to the Seattle Center for two scheduled "Disney on Ice" performances.
Puget Sound Energy crews clamped the line about 2:30 p.m., allowing businesses to begin reopening. There were no reports of injuries.
Construction crews ruptured the 4-inch natural gas line at 5th Avenue and Broad Street around 10 a.m. Police then shut down the intersection and evacuated several area businesses, including the Experience Music Project.
The Seattle Monorail, whose tracks roll right over the scene, was also shut down as a precaution.
The evacuations were only part of the problem, as the closure of major streets in the area snarled traffic.
"We have groups of people trying to come and they said it was just stopped on the freeway, not even moving," said Noelle Johnson, who was visiting the Seattle Center.
On top of the usual weekend crowds, thousands of people were trying to get to the Seattle Center for two scheduled "Disney on Ice" performances.
Puget Sound Energy crews clamped the line about 2:30 p.m., allowing businesses to begin reopening. There were no reports of injuries.