Gas Line Catches Fire When Lightning Hits Tree On Western Ave.

JOLIET, IL - A huge tree along Joliet's historic Western Avenue was hit by lightning shortly before 7 a.m. Friday, causing the underground natural gas lines to catch fire. Several trucks from Nicor and the city of Joliet Public Works Division were on the scene Friday.

As of 10 a.m. Joliet Police cars were still diverting motorists away from the area. The gas line fire occurred in the 700 block of Western Avenue.

There were no evacuations in the neighborhood, and Nicor representatives told Patch around 10 a.m. that the situation was under control but it would take a few more hours before the repairs are made.