At 1:48 p.m. on Feb. 14, New Bern Fire-Rescue responded to a call of a smell of natural gas outside at 1401 Tatum Drive. Crews arrived within 3 minutes and began investigating. They discovered the source of the leak which was a two-inch pipe underneath a sidewalk. They secured the scene, contacted Piedmont Natural Gas to respond, and began shutting down utilities in the area as a precaution.
Businesses at the intersection of Professional Drive and Tatum Drive were evacuated as a precaution. The New Bern Police Department assisted with traffic control and detours around and away from the site to ensure public safety until Piedmont crews arrived to begin the repair. At approximately 3:51 p.m., Piedmont Natural gas contained the leak and began repairs and emergency personnel were released from the scene. Evacuees were allowed back into their businesses. Repairs to the gas line are still underway and are expected to be complete around 6pm. A small section of Tatum Drive remains closed while repairs are completed.
There were no injuries to the public or to city crews as a result of the gas leak. The cause of the leak is under investigation by Piedmont Natural Gas.
By Colleen Roberts, Public Information Officer