Evacuations are underway after workers struck a high-pressure natural gas main in a new construction subdivision in Woodstock Friday afternoon, fire officials said.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and Woodstock Police Department responded around 12:42 p.m. Friday to the area of Daybreak Ridge and Riverwoods Drive in Woodstock for a report of an odor investigation.
Fire crews arrived and found a natural gas main that was struck during excavation work, according to Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha.
The gas main was estimated to be at least three inches and there was a large gouge in the piping, fire department radio traffic indicated.
Firefighters were unable to slow or stop the leak due to the damage.
Nicor Gas was requested to the scene and they arrived around 1:20 p.m. to begin mitigating the leak.
There have been no reports of injuries, Vucha said.
Residents within approximately a block of the intersection were being evacuated as a precaution while crews work to secure the damaged gas main, Vucha said.
Residents and motorists are asked to avoid the area and follow all directions from emergency personnel.
“Additional information, including any road closures or other impacts, will be released as it becomes available,” the fire district said.
The incident occurred in Lennar at Riverwoods, which is a new subdivision where houses are being developed.