Gas Leak Causes Evacuation At Correctional Facility
May 25, 2009 by John Rook
Administrative offices were evacuated at the Cheshire Correctional Institution on Thursday, May 21, after a landscaper broke a gas line on the property.
According to authorities, a worker on the grounds was mowing the lawn directly in front of the main entrance to the facility on Thursday afternoon when he ran over a gas pipe, causing a break and allowing gas to be released.
The incident was immediately reported to the Cheshire Fire Department, which responded and evacuated administration officials from the front office building.
According to Cheshire Fire Chief Jack Casner, the gas leak was not significant and no injuries occurred as a result. In fact, because the leak occurred outside, there was little contamination within the building itself.
“Our guys didn’t even smell a hint of gas when they went inside,” said Casner.
The entire facility was locked down, however, explained Casner, which is standard procedure whenever such an incident occurs. No inmates were evacuated.
Casner stated that Yankee Gas was called to the scene and repaired the gas main within “a half an hour.”
“It was pretty minor overall,” said Casner.