Sikh Temple Evacuated Over Gas Line Break: Report

OAK CREEK, WI — The Sikh Temple in Oak Creek had to be temporarily evacuated last week after a contractor struck a gas line.

According to Oak Creek police call logs, officers responded to the center at 7512 S. Howell Ave. at just after 9 a.m. on Sept. 30. Police say they learned that an employee for Gillitzer Electric Services out of Richfield, Wis. was using a skid steer to dig a trench.

As the employee was digging the trench, police say he struck a two-inch gas line, causing gas to blow and hiss from the punctured gas line. The temple was evacuated and WE Energies responded in order to shut off the line.

Police say the Gillitzer employee was instructed to call Digger's Hotline the next time he needed to dig a trench in the area.