Gas line hit by construction crew, causing large leak in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood

PITTSBURGH — All is back to normal in Oakland but earlier in the day, no one could come down Boulevard of the Allies and natural gas was pouring out from a gas line.

The leak happened when a construction crew hit a gas line at the intersection of Zulema Street and Coltart Avenue. That is next to UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, which is not affected.

“UPMC is aware of a gas leak near the Boulevard of the Allies in Oakland. This is not impacting UPMC Magee operations. The hospital is open, safe and able to provide care for all,” a UPMC spokesperson said in a statement.

Natural gas, which could be heard coming out of the line, dissipated as it hit the air, officials said.

The process of starting to evacuate homes was stopped after firefighters conducted readings in the area and determined it was not necessary, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. However, people are being told to avoid the area. Traffic along the Boulevard of the Allies is being detoured.

“On a day like today, it’s warm but it’s also low humidity. Methane is lighter than air, it will go up and dissipate. If it was raining or high humidity or something that’s going to make it hug the ground, I’d be more concerned,” explained Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones.

Crews are continuing to monitor the sewer lines and nearby basements to make sure there aren’t any pockets of gas that could cause a problem.

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