A concrete saw struck a gas mainline during construction at the intersection of 17th and Orchard Street, causing a natural gas leak. Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded with three fire trucks at 12:56 p.m. UOPD blocked off Orchard Street between 15th and 19th Avenue between 1 p.m. and 2:10 p.m. All residents in the area were evacuated.

The gas line has been clamped, but is not fixed, yet. UOPD and EMS have left the scene, but the intersection of Orchard and 17th is still closed while construction crews work to patch the line. The gas has been turned off.

The mainline shut off valve was located under concrete, so the construction crew cut out part of the street to access it. Because of this, gas was released for over an hour. The smell of gas hung heavy in the air near the construction site.

EMS has tested the air in the surrounding areas and determined that no residual gas is left. Their only concern is that the gas may have drifted into homes with open windows. Notes were left on the doors of residents who weren’t home notifying them of the leak.

If residents in the neighborhood have any concerns they are asked to contact Eugene EMS or Northwest Natural.