Downtown Norfolk gas leak cleared

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk Fire and Rescue have cleared a significant gas leak in the Downtown Norfolk area Friday morning that forced several evacuations.

Capt. Mike Hicks with Norfolk Fire and Rescue said contractors struck a two and a half inch gas line along Atlantic Street near Main Street shortly before 10 a.m.

The leak was secured about 15 minutes later. No injuries were reported.

Because of the leak, office and commercial buildings within one block of the leak were evacuated.

The evacuations included 300 Main Street, the Main Street Tower, and Main Street garage. People were allowed back into the buildings around 10:30 a.m.

The leak also forced the Light Rail to shut down in the area for a short period.

Capt. Hicks said Tidal Construction had complete site plans and Miss Utility clearly marked the area for safety. He said it appears the company used an excavator in an area where they should have been digging by hand.

WAVY News 10 attempted to reach Tidal Construction for comment.

Hicks said the Fire Marshal's Office will fight the company to pay for the emergency response.

Stay with WAVY.com for more on this developing story.