Nish Road between Route 176 and Valley View Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake was shut down due to a large gas leak Wednesday afternoon into the evening. | Photo: NRFPD

Construction crews damaged a large gas line and caused a major gas leak Wednesday evening near Crystal Lake, prompting road closures that remain in place this evening.

The Nunda Rural Fire Protection District and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded around 3:01 p.m. Wednesday to Route 176 and Nish Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake.

Nunda Rural Fire Protection District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said the district was notified of a ruptured natural gas line in the area.

Firefighters arrived within minutes and confirmed a large, non-residential natural gas line had been struck by construction crews.

Nish Road between Route 176 and Valley View Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake was shut down due to a large gas leak Wednesday afternoon into the evening. | Photo: NRFPD

Vucha said immediate road closures were requested due to the large quantity of natural gas being released from the line.

Nicor Gas was called to the scene and they remain on the scene Wednesday evening attempting to resolve the situation.

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No residential or business evacuations have been requested.

Nish Road between Route 176 and Valley View Road will be closed for an “undetermined amount of time,” Vucha said.

No injuries have been reported but a strong smell of gas remains in the area.

“The incident is isolated but we are continuing to monitor all hazards related to the damaged line,” Vucha said.