Gas Leak Causes Building Evacuation in West Village

More than 100 Duke employees working in West Village in downtown Durham were evacuated from their buildings Friday morning following a gas line rupture that occurred at approximately 9 a.m. There were no reports of injuries.

Around noon, Durham police and fire officials said the problem had been fixed and normal operations were restored in the area, with all streets and buildings open.

A piece of excavation equipment accidentally broke the 6-inch natural gas line near the intersection of West Main Street and Fuller Street, Durham fire officials said. Only Phase 2 of West Village, which includes the commercial buildings between Morgan and Main streets, was affected. The leak did not affect Duke employees or others who work in the American Tobacco Campus.

Duke employees who work in the Cobb, O'Brien and Old Cigarette Factory buildings were told to evacuate. They work in the university development and community affairs offices.

"I got here right at 9 a.m. and was waiting to turn into the parking garage and could smell gas," said Todd Blandford of the development office staff, who joined others in quickly leaving the area. Another member of the staff, Katie Hanczaryk, sent a message to colleagues noting that "No one is allowed in the buildings but Duke Card has secured all buildings remotely."

Durham fire and police officials worked with the PSNC gas company to secure the area. The gas company shut off the main gas valve by mid-morning and then repaired the broken line.

"We've been in close contact with the city since this occurred and coordinated with them to ensure the safety of Duke employees who work in this area," said Aaron Graves, the university's associate vice president for campus safety and security.