Evacuations lifted after natural gas leak in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood

SEATTLE - Evacuations have been lifted after a natural gas leak Saturday morning in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle.

The reported gas leak was near Republican St. & Westlake Ave. N. in the South Lake Union area. Crews evacuated the area from Mercer St. S to Thomas St and 9th Ave N east to Fairview Ave N for a short time.

Firefighters gave the all clear saying that air quality had returned to safe level and evacuations were lifted.

A spokesperson with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) said a third-party excavator was digging in the area and punctured a 2-inch hole in a gas line. Crews were able to secure the gas line around 11:45 a.m.

Crews said it could take a few hours to repair the line. PSE crews continued to measure air quality in the immediate area to ensure safe levels.

SDOT advised drivers in the area to use alternate routes for a short time while the road was blocked.

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