‘Extensive damage’ after gas leak that led to Georgia State Capitol being evacuated

ATLANTA — The Georgia Capitol Building was evacuated and several nearby streets were shut down as crews work to repair a gas leak in the area.

Piedmont Avenue near MLK is shut down and Atlanta Gas Light is still on the scene. One lane in each direction on MLK and Piedmont are reopening.

The gas leak was first reported on Wednesday morning. Just after 4 p.m., a spokesperson for Atlanta Gas Light confirmed that the gas had been shut off in the area and has been made safe.

Fire crews began testing air quality as soon as they arrived. They did not initially find anything harmful, but later found a concerning area near Piedmont Avenue, which led to the evacuations.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Atlanta Gas Light there was “extensive damage” in the area and there is no word on when the area will be fully reopened.

A contractor performing work in the area near the corner of MLK and Piedmont hit a gas line, according to Atlanta Gas Light.

TRENDING STORIES:

• $478.2M Powerball jackpot winners claim prize in GA
• Georgia election results: How each county voted in the 2024 presidential election
• ‘It ain’t nothing we can do:’ This Is It! restaurant on I-20 to shut down, customers upset at reason

Footage from nearby cameras managed by the Atlanta Department of Transportation show several firetrucks at the scene and blocking the roads as crews work on-site.

MARTA confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that they are working to restore service in the area.

Channel 2′s Michael Seiden spoke to people who say they were turned away from going into the Georgia State Capitol.

“I had paid for my parking and then I was advised that the building was being shut down for the day,” Asa Foreman said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

©2024 Cox Media Group