Construction crews working on the STEM building ruptured a gas line along Fort Vancouver Way today, causing a brief evacuation of the T-Building on Clark College’s main campus.
According to Project Manager Jim Watkins, the crews hit the pipe, which he said was approximately 1 inch to 1.5 inches in diameter, while digging.
The T-building was evacuated for approximately 20 minutes as a precaution while Fire Department and Northwest Natural officials swept the area to ensure that there was no danger to occupants.
Pedestrian and vehicle traffic was allowed to resume through the area after the all-clear was given by officials.
Watkins said that there will be no significant delays to the STEM construction project, with work to repair the pipe already underway.
Chato Hazelbaker, the chief information and communications officer for the college, said there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.
Nice Photo! Crazy story!