A gas leak near downtown Clinton Monday afternoon sparked local emergency crews to evacuate portions of Clinton.

According to Clinton Fire Chief Shawn Milton, road construction near the downtown area of Clinton hit a gas line shortly before noon, resulting in several area agencies being called to the scene. It was determined residents near the area of the leak should have been evacuated until crews could stabilize the area.

[audio:8614gasleak1.mp3] [/audio]

Illinois Power made the decision to evacuate the residents near the location of the gas leak, and Chief Milton indicates this incident was not as serious as others they have encountered in the past. He credits the quick work of all agencies involved in resolving the issue and keeping the public safe.

[audio:8614gasleak2.mp3] [/audio]

Chief Milton stresses how important it is the public enroll in the emergency notification for the city and county, Code Red. He says that is the best way for them to get notifications to the public.

[audio:8614gasleak3.mp3] [/audio]

The Chief emphasizes this is an example of the importance of residents calling JULIE when they are doing any work on the ground of their personal property. He says you never know what kind of lines may be running underground.