Gas Leak Detected In Annapolis, Buildings Evacuated

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, the Annapolis Fire Department dispatched units to Bladen Street and Calvert Street for a reported gas leak and a flash fire. Firefighters arrived to investigate the situation and detected a strong odor of gas around several State Buildings but no active fire. According to Fire Capt. Zapata, state buildings were evacuated and several roads in the area were shut down temporarily.

A state spokesperson said a contractor working on the nearby Lawyers Mall project smelled gas after removing an old steam line. BGE stated that a construction worker was working on underground steam lines in Annapolis near several state buildings when a gas odor was detected. BGE crews inspected the buildings' interior and did not detect any gas odor. BGE said there was a slight gas odor outside in the buildings. BGE crews remained on the scene to find the cause of the odor and make any necessary repairs to stop the leak.

Maryland Department of General Services said that BGE found a 4-inch underground gas main that had been struck and isolated the leak at approximately 3:30 p.m.