A natural gas line attached to a North Carolina Department of Transportation maintenance shed in Columbus, N.C. ruptured the morning of March 18, prompting evacuations.  The incident took place between Blanton and Park Street.

Damage to the pipe was caused by asphalt paving being implemented by NCDOT workers in the immediate area which heated up the pipe carrying natural gas. This heat, in conjunction with previous corrosion, compromised the pipe’s structural integrity.

Polk County Fire Marshall Bobby Arledge received a call reporting the smell of natural gas at 9:06 a.m., and estimates that gas company officials were on site to shut off the line within 30 minutes. For roughly another hour the area was monitored for unsafe levels of natural gas. By 10:40 a.m. the area was cleared to resume normal activities, according to Arledge.

Fire units from Tryon, Landrum, Columbus, and Mill Spring were summoned to assist as well as Polk Rescue, EMS, Columbus Police Department, Tryon Police Department, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Initial readings prompted Arledge to evacuate more than 70 people in the immediate area.  While the gas levels were not extreme, preemptive evacuations were executed to ensure safety.

“It doesn’t take long to get into dangerous levels,” Arledge expressed while explaining the evacuations.

Those downwind of the gas leak were transported to nearby Stearns Park via bus while officials continued to monitor the situation.

Arledge described the event as having gone very well, despite the danger of a large natural gas leak in proximity to a populated area.

Arledge recommends becoming aware of nearby gas lines and evacuation procedures.  He also urges residents to keep an emergency kit stocked with important documents, medicines and other essentials in the event of a sudden evacuation.

By Brandon Shanesy
Brandon.Shanesy@TryonDailyBulletin.com