DES MOINES, Iowa — Several roads are closed in downtown Des Moines as crews respond to a ruptured natural gas line.
Des Moines Fire Department personnel and MidAmerican Energy staff responded to the rupture early Thursday while Des Moines police provide security around the perimeter.
MidAmerican reported that a contractor using heavy machinery for a sewer project hit and damaged the gas main, causing a leak shortly before 7:30 a.m.
Gas customers are not currently affected, MidAmerican said, but gas service itself may be impacted.
The utility company also said that "approximately 51" of its customers in the affected area had electricity disconnected for safety until crews isolate the gas leak.
It is expected that restoration of power should happen around 9 p.m. Thursday.
Impacted roads are closed for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The impacted roads are:
- Locust Street (10th Street to 16th Street)
- 15th Street (Grand Avenue to Walnut Street)
Several businesses in the area were evacuated, according to police.
The closure is expected to last all day.
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