'Major' natural gas leak near Garner causes road closures, evacuations
Residents in the area of U.S. Highway 70 and Guy Road were evacuated Monday night after a large gas line broke at a plant near the intersection, authorities said.
Posted — UpdatedThe leak was reported at a PSNC Energy facility after an 8-inch wide relief valve malfunctioned at an above-ground regulator station, causing the valve to release gas, which it's supposed to do but not loudly, said Angie Townsend, a PSNC spokesperson.
About 500 pounds of pressure was emitted from the leak, officials said.
Garner Deputy Fire Chief Tim Herman described the incident as a "major natural gas leak."
Viewers told WRAL News they heard an explosion at around 8 p.m. Homes within a 1-mile radius of the plant were evacuated, including the Golden Plantations neighborhood.
No injuries were reported.
Gas was shut off following the leak and customers should not be affected, Townsend said.
U.S. Highway 70 was closed in both directions at Guy Road for about two hours.
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