A potential gas leak at 34th and Chestnut streets has diverted traffic off of 38th and Chestnut streets, according to an email from the Division of Public Safety. The email warned people to avoid the area until further notice.
Philadelphia Gas Works spokesperson Melanie McCottry said that PGW — the organization which manages the piping for most of Philadelphia — is currently in the process of fixing the leak. Earlier in the day, the Philadelphia Fire Department sent firemen to assess the situation, after which the matter was handed over to PGW.
“An odor was detected and they [the Fire Department] called us and we’re out there [now] fixing” the leak in the 12-inch pipe main, McCottry said.
She added that no injuries have been reported, and that there hasn’t been any damage, evacuation or service interruption caused by the leak.
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The Fire Department, out of an “overbundance” of caution, closed the area so that they could investigate, she said.
DPS said that PGW will be doing work on Chestnut Street throughout the night, adding that although traffic has opened back up along the street, delays are expected to continue through tomorrow morning.
If you smell any unusual gas odors, please report the smell to PGW by calling their emergency line at 215-235-1212.
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