Major Gas Leak Contained Near University Of Washington

SEATTLE, WA — Portions of the University of Washington campus, and several blocks to the north of it, were evacuated Monday afternoon as Puget Sound Energy crews worked to secure a major gas leak, according to Seattle Fire. Crews were dispatched on a major leak response just before 1:50 p.m after a gas line was hit during construction. A few minutes later, the University of Washington sent an alert to students asking them to avoid the area near Brooklyn Avenue Northeast and Northeast 45th Street.

Evacuations were in place from Northeast 43rd Street to Northeast 47th Street, between 12th Avenue Northeast and University Way Northeast for at least three hours. That area includes UW Tower, the University Bookstore, Neptune Theatre and several restaurants. According to Seattle Fire, PSE secured the leak shortly before 5:30 p.m. Evacuations were lifted and pedestrians were allowed to return to the area by 6 p.m. Some road closures remained in place.

Monday's incident is the second major gas leak in North Seattle in recent days. On Friday, a gas leak ignited near Licton Springs, injuring three PSE workers.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.