Evacuations are underway in a Lakeland neighborhood after a strong smell of gas was reported on Wednesday.
The Lakeland Fire Department was called to 316 East Palm Drive around 10:30 a.m. in response
to the strong smell of gas. Upon arrival, LFD crews discovered that a four-inch gas line was hit by construction workers and that gas was leaking and quickly filling the surrounding neighborhood.
#Gasleak @ E Palm Dr. Residents are evacuated, no one is in danger. #LFD on scene #TECOGAS working now. Rd closures. Avoid area @LakelandPD pic.twitter.com/cnRBj5XLsH
— Lakeland Fire (@LakelandFD) June 14, 2017
LFD Crews are currently on scene securing the area, evacuating residents, and providing suppression and safety support for workers making repairs.
Residents in the vicinity of South Florida Ave at E Beacon Road, E Palm Drive, Lake Hollingsworth Drive, and other nearby roads have been evacuated to a nearby church, First Presbyterian Church. Those roads are also closed as a safety precaution, with the Lakeland Police Department providing traffic control.
The situation is creating traffic issues. The Lakeland Fire Department encourages motorists to avoid the
area.
TECO Gas, who is responsible for the gas lines, is aware and on scene performing repairs. This will take several hours to complete. Residents will be kept out of the affected area until the scene is clear.
