ATLANTA — This morning, a major gas leak near the Georgia Capitol disrupted downtown Atlanta, forcing evacuations and street closures.
Emergency crews, including Atlanta Fire Rescue and Atlanta Gas Light, were called to the area after a construction crew hit a gas line around 9 a.m. According to Atlanta Fire Rescue, the ruptured line was “large” and immediately noticeable, with a strong gas odor.
By mid-morning, officials had evacuated the Capitol, including Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, who were seen leaving the building. Authorities monitor the situation closely and evaluate whether to evacuate nearby buildings, including the Sloppy Floyd building.
Residents and workers are advised to avoid the area, particularly those with respiratory conditions. Atlanta Fire Rescue recommended that individuals with breathing issues wear an N95 mask or have inhalers on hand as a precaution.
"It doesn't appear that it will shift and move, but we don't have control of the weather, and that's why we're taking precautions to recommend that people really stay inside and avoid the area," an official with AFR said.
Parts of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Piedmont Avenue, and Washington Street remain closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic as crews work to repair the damaged gas line. Atlanta Gas Light has not provided an estimated timeline for repairs.
MARTA has also closed its Georgia State station and suspended rail service. Local bus routes are being rerouted to King Memorial, and a " bus bridge will be provided between Five Points and King Memorial."
Atlanta Gas Light issued a statement:
At 8:55 a.m., our 6-inch gas main was damaged, while a contractor unrelated to Atlanta Gas Light was performing construction work near Piedmont Avenue, close to the Georgia State Capitol. Our crews are onsite working with first responders to get the gas shut off and the area secure as safely and as quickly as possible. At Atlanta Gas Light, safety is our number one value for our employees and customers. At this time, and as a standard, safety precautionary practice, we are evacuating nearby businesses until our crews can safely secure the area.