CEDAR CITY — A gas leak resulting from a damaged gas line on the Southern Utah University campus triggered an evacuation of several buildings and caused gas to be shut off to some Cedar City residents Monday.
Emergency personnel responded to the incident near the new SUU Business Building at approximately 12:20 p.m., according to a statement issued by SUU.
The gas line broke while construction crews from a private contractor were conducting an excavation of the area, Cedar City Fire Capt. Lowell Sorensen told Cedar City News.
The odor of gas was reported in the area, and SUU Facilities Management personnel immediately evacuated the Leadership Engagement Center, Campus Call Center and Business Building construction site.
SUU Campus Police closed University Boulevard between 300 West and 800 West to provide repair crews with uninterrupted access to the area. The road was reopened by 2 p.m.
Fire Department personnel were on hand in case of fire and to assist with evacuations and public safety.
The gas leak was quickly isolated and any immediate danger has passed, according to the university.
“I would like to compliment Cedar City Fire, SUU Police, Cedar City Police, and Dominion Energy for their quick response,” Tiger Funk, assistant vice president for Facilities Management, said in a statement. “The issue was resolved without serious incident.”
Some Cedar City residents may be without gas for a “short time” while the line is being fixed, according to the university. Residents should call Dominion Energy for any questions or updates at 866-366-4357.
Anyone on campus who smells the odor of natural gas should call Facilities Management at 435-865-8690.
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