More Details Released Of Gas Leak On Main Street In Westport: UPDATE

WESTPORT, CT — A gas leak on Main Street in Westport Wednesday morning led to the temporary closure of the road while authorities investigated, according to Westport police.

Main Street has since been reopened, but a portion of Elm Street, from Main Street to 33 Elm St., will remain closed for ongoing gas line repairs, police said.

Wednesday afternoon, Westport fire officials released the following statement detailing the incident:

At 10:02 AM, the Westport Fire Department received a call from contractors working at 136 Main Street for an odor of gas in the building. Arriving firefighters found an active gas leak inside the building filling with natural gas. Along with 136 Main Street, the neighboring buildings on Main Street and Elm Street were evacuated as a precaution. All on-duty firefighters were called to the scene, and hoselines were deployed as a precaution. Southern Connecticut Gas Company responded to the leak and was not initially able to locate the shut-off.

Westport Public Works assisted with finding and accessing to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. Once the buildings were metered and deemed safe, all occupants were allowed back into the buildings. Fairfield and Norwalk Fire Departments provided mutual aid station coverage and responded our or behalf to three emergencies in Town.

Natural gas leaks can be dangerous and must be reported immediately. Use your senses to detect
gas leaks. A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound. Remember, if you
smell natural gas, get up, get out and call 911 immediately. Natural gas is colorless and odorless.
For your safety, a distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you’ll
recognize it quickly. You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing
dust. You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing, or whistling. If you suspect a gas leak,
call 911.