Cary Intersection Reopens After Gas Line Rupture, Fire

Cary, N.C. — All lanes of Kildaire Farm and Tryon roads in Cary reopened to traffic Thursday after being shut down Wednesday when a drill rig hit a natural gas line and fire erupted.

Part of the intersection of Kildaire Farm and Tryon had reopened at about 6 a.m. after crew worked all night on repairs. Southbound Kildaire Farm Road and one eastbound lane of Tryon remained closed for a while longer.

Fulcher Electric Co., a contractor working on the traffic lights at the intersection, pierced an 8-inch steel gas line Wednesday morning. The resulting fire ignited fumes from a nearby truck. At one point, gas flames shot more than 100 feet in the air.

PSNC Energy spokeswoman Angie Townsend said crews spent most of Wednesday digging a hole under Kildaire Farm Road to access the gas main to isolate the damaged section and cap it off. The line was capped about six hours later, and the gas burned off shortly after that.

Town officials shut down the roads and evacuated nearby businesses. No one was injured.

Several businesses in Waverly Place and Crescent Commons shopping centers, forced to close during the fire, were expected to reopen Thursday.

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Latest Comments

".....You think they have $1000 valves every city block?..." You mean Cary doesn't?

subdude67
October 12, 2007 9:10 a.m.

Hmmm, 6 hours worth of water spraying on it from three or four hoses. That is a few baths and showers.

orange dude
October 11, 2007 11:40 a.m.

"Unless you guys know something about gas distribution, you shouldn't comment."

Well, no one knows everything about everything (except my ex-husband), and our queries brought forth your response which contained the good information to educate us.

Thanks Speedy for the good info.

God bless.

Rev. RB

Spirit Warrior Woman - Rev. RB
October 11, 2007 11:39 a.m.

"It did happen at rush hour. God is why we can't remember it."

Did NOT happen at rush hour! Happened at 11 am. I was RIGHT THERE leaving the hospital after having my broken foot set in a cast, and I thank God the traffic we were traveling in was light at that precise moment.

God bless.

Rev. RB

Spirit Warrior Woman - Rev. RB
October 11, 2007 11:37 a.m.

Thanks "Speedy" for the informed post. Thats makes perfect sense.