Gas Steel Pipe Was Cutout by A Plow Truck

According to a press release, emergency personnel directed traffic away from a gas leak at Sunset School Saturday morning.

Alpena Fire Department personnel responded at 5:38 a.m. after a plow truck struck gas meter attached to the school, according to the release. The driver accidentally backed into the yellow hazard pole, cutting it off at ground level and then striking the gas meter. The accident broke the gas Pipe off below the meter and the shut-off Valves, and a DTE Energy staff had some trouble in stopping the leak. City police redirected traffic away from the scene, and Hobbs drive was temporarily closed between Third Avenue and Grant Street.

After an attempt to seal it off with a press tool unsuccessfully, more gas company personnel were called to the site, according to the release. They could slow the leak steel pipe using a wood dowel, at which point police opened Hobbs Drive to traffic again. With the help of a hydraulic clamp wrench, the DTE staff could stop the leak totally. Firefighters and DTE personnel checked the school for explosive levels and ventilated the structure.

Nobody was injured, although the plow truck suffered damage in the accident, according to the release.