Ruptured Pipeline Caused Natural Gas Odor: Manhattan Fire Officials

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan residents were cleared to return to normal activities around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, hours after a ruptured pipeline led to reports of a natural gas odor Tuesday morning, Manhattan fire officials said.

At 8:24 a.m. Tuesday, the Manhattan Fire District was called for a reported smell of natural gas in the area of Bruns and Gougar roads in the Village of Manhattan.

Manhattan Fire units arrived within four minutes of the initial call for service. Peoples Gas was already on the scene of the incident for a ruptured pipeline. The scene was immediately secured within a one-mile radius of the incident in each direction.

All special populations, including public and private schools and childcare centers, were immediately notified of the gas leak. Each facility's air quality has been monitored for the safety of the children and staff. All school and childcare centers were cleared to resume normal daily activity indoors, but were advised to avoid outdoor activities and to shut off building ventilation systems.

Peoples Gas has secured the natural gas leak and is currently working on sealing the mercaptan component, which causes the smell in natural gas.

There is no immediate risk to the public. However, residents are advised to stay indoors, keep the windows closed, and to turn off home ventilation systems until the smell dissipates.

The MABAS 19 Hazmat Team was called to assist with additional monitoring. Will County EMA was also on-scene to assist at the scene of the incident.