A Huge Gas Leak Forced 27 Mississauga Homes To Evacuate Overnight (VIDEO)
Authorities said it could be dangerous and are asking people to stay out of the area.
A large and potentially dangerous gas leak in Mississauga forced residents from 27 homes to evacuate and spend the night elsewhere on Monday.
Mississauga Fire responded to reports of a natural gas leak on Blythe Road and Doulton Drive at around 12:15 p.m., according to Platoon Chief Davoli. Construction work was being done in the area when a "very large" 20-inch main was struck.
"Well, it is a very large main with approximately 175 to 200 pounds per square inch being pushed behind it. So there's a lot of pressure there, and exactly that, it does sound like a loud jet engine," said Davoli to the media on Monday. "I'll say in my 43 years on the job, this is the loudest one I've been around as well."
"This is why we're asking people to stay away from the area, neighbours in the area we're asking them to keep their windows and doors closed, as well." A perimeter was secured until the repairs are completed and the leak remains a potential danger to anyone nearby.
Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi tweeted with advice for the residents affected about how to arrange a hotel stay.
Fire Services predicts that the leak will be shut off sometime between 7 and 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Large gas leaks like this are uncommon, according to Davoli and he says "if you're going to be any digging around your home, call first."