Gas Leak Forces Lakeland Evacuation

LAKELAND, FL — A Wednesday morning gas leak in the area of East Palm Drive has Lakeland Fire Department officials evacuating residents as a precaution.

According to the agency, residents in the area of South Florida Avenue at East Beacon Road, along East Palm Drive, Lake Hollingsworth Drive, and other nearby roads have been evacuated to First Presbyterian Church.

“Those roads are also closed as a safety precaution, with the Lakeland Police Department providing traffic control,” an 11:20 a.m. email from the fire department said. “This is creating traffic issues.”

The agency is asking motorists to stay out of the area.

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The gas leak was reported to the fire department around 10:30 a.m. June 14 after a resident on East Palm Drive noticed a strong smell of gas. Fire department crews reported to the scene and found a 4-inch gas line leaking. The line was reportedly struck by construction crews working in the area.

TECO Gas is on the scene working to complete repairs. The work is expected to take several hours to complete, the fire department said.

“Residents will be kept out of the affected area until the scene is clear,’ the agency noted. “There is no one presently in danger.”

No further information is available at this time.

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