Vehicle Slams Into Building Causing Structural Damage And Gas Leak

MANCHESTER, NH - Firefighters evacuated a large multi-unit apartment building on Cedar Street after a vehicle crashed into the gas main and several gas meters and caused significant structural damage to the building.

Manchester Fire, AMR, and police responded to 269 Cedar Street Saturday for an active gas leak caused by a vehicle hitting several gas meters, damaging the building, and then fled the scene.

Responders arrived at an active scene with a gas leak and the structural integrity of the building compromised. Evacuations began immediately of several people from the building.

Firefighters used meters to take readings inside the apartments and basement to measure any gas levels. All floors had zero readings, the basement had 5% LEL, and it was ventilated by firefighters from Truck 7. Rescue 1 stopped the active gas leak, and Liberty Utilities was notified and responded.

Command requested the Collapse Unit to respond with units from station 7. Companies removed the damaged debris from the building and utilized lumber from the Collapse Unit to shore up the damaged section of the building.

Gas was shut off at the street by Liberty Utilities, and they remained on the scene working to replace gas lines for several hours. Occupants were allowed to re-occupy the building.

The vehicle fled the scene, and witnesses described it as having heavy damage and driving on rims. The license plate for the vehicle was left behind in the crash, which led investigators to the vehicle. At this time, no information is available from police on the vehicle type or the driver, but police confirmed it has been located.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news