Evacuations follow gas main rupture on South Hill

Road construction crews on 29th Avenue and South Latawah Street hit and ruptured a large natural gas main today, resulting in the evacuation of homes near the site. Avista Utilities crews are on scene but have not shut off the gas main yet. The Spokane Fire Department is working on evacuating both sides of 29th from from South Grand Boulevard to South Lamont Street, a residential area. Roads near the site are shut down to traffic, and motorists should avoid that area. Among the businesses evacuated is an assisted-living center. Spokane Transit buses were dispatched to the area to help get residents to safety.