UA buildings evacuated following gas line rupture

Several University of Arkansas buildings were evacuated along Dickson Street Wednesday morning after construction crews ruptured a gas line near the Hillside Auditorium, according to UA officials.

See press release below:

Gas Line Rupture Causes U of A Evacuations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A construction crew ruptured a 1.5 inch gas line under Dickson Street, near the Hillside Auditorium, at about 10:50 a.m. An area south of Dickson Street, west of Harmon Avenue, north of Fairview St. and east of Garland Avenue was evacuated as a precaution. Buildings evacuated included Brough Commons, Yocum Hall, Humphries Hall, Kimpel Hall, Walton College, the Reynolds Center, Walker Hall, Hunt Hall, Hillside Auditorium, the Heating Plant and Mechanical Engineering.

A SourceGas emergency crew successfully stopped the leak at about 12:10 p.m., the air quality in the area was tested and found safe, and an all-clear was issued, ending the evacuations.

Crews are now working to restore gas service to many of the buildings on campus.

The University of Arkansas wishes to thank the Fayetteville Fire Department and SourceGas for their prompt and professional response to this incident.