Buildings evacuated after gas leak

Businesses and apartments in downtown Bloomington were evacuated, and streets were blocked off due to a gas leak Friday afternoon.

The Bloomington Fire Department responded to a 911 call from Vectren crews, reporting the gas leak at 12:23 p.m., BFD Chief Roger Kerr said.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered a gas main had ruptured, Kerr said.
Buildings along North Walnut Street and North Washington Street between East Kirkwood Avenue and East Sixth Street were blocked off while emergency responders worked to repair the gas leak.

Duke Energy shut off power in the area to prevent an electrical spark.

Businesses including Malibu Grill, Caveat Emptor and Opie Taylor’s were evacuated.

The smell of gas was strong near East Sixth Street and North Washington Street at about 2:30 p.m.

Bloomington Police Department officers blocked off streets in the surrounding areas, including near the Monroe County Courthouse square, and pedestrians were not allowed near the evacuated block.

Kerr said the gas leak was repaired, and people were allowed to re-enter the buildings at about 4:20 p.m.

— Matt Stefanski