A two vehicle collision in Cobourg ruptured a natural gas line on Elgin Street East.
The collision happened just after 11 a.m. when a SUV was turning into a plaza and collided with a pickup truck travelling in the same direction.
The SUV struck a natural gas meter near the roadway.
Both drivers were unhurt as a result of the collision, but due to the natural gas leak, Cobourg Fire Department was called along with Cobourg Police and Northumberland County Paramedics.
Cobourg Fire Department Captain Chris Brown said when fire crews arrived they could visually hear the natural gas leak and see the vehicle was on top of the device.
“We had a vehicle on top of a major (natural) gas line, the low pressure side was broken and there was a gasoline leak as well.”
“We took precautions evacuated the immediate area, drew a hose line and waited for Union Gas to arrive.”
Firefighters took readings around the area which were “extremely minimal.”
Cobourg Police shut down both east and westbound traffic on Elgin Street from Division Street to Birchwood Trail.
Union Gas arrived and shut down the low pressure line, but firefighters stood by until a tow truck safely removed the vehicle from the broken line.
“Access was limited and that’s why we waited for Union Gas, they are the experts at this and we just stood by.”
Elgin Street westbound was open shortly before 1 p.m., but eastbound remained closed for Union Gas to complete repairs.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
