Gas leak forces evacuation in Post Falls

A street worker operating a backhoe severed a gas main in Post Falls this morning, causing nearby residents to be evacuated. Utility crews have stopped the leak and are making repairs. The accident occurred about 8:30 a.m. at North Spokane Street and West Poleline Avenue on the north side of the city where workers are installing a round-about style intersection, said police Sgt. Pat Kenner. The gas line was described as 2 inches in diameter. Residents of a duplex adjacent to the intersection as well as a mobile home park were asked to leave their homes for safety reasons. Avista Utilities is assessing homes for gas leaks and has cleared residents who are not served by the gas line to return home. Those who are served by the line may return after Avista determines their home is safe to occupy, according to a press release by Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.