SEATTLE — Buildings in Seattle's University District were evacuated Monday as crews addressed a natural gas leak at a construction site.
The gas leak began around 1:50 p.m. at the intersection of 45th Street and Brooklyn Ave NE -- just a few blocks west of the University of Washington campus. Seattle Fire Department officials tweeted that the leak was secured around 5:15 p.m.
Officials said people will be allowed back into the area once nearby buildings are tested for gas levels, likely around 6 p.m.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of NE 45th Street between Brooklyn Ave NE and University Way NE are closed.
Access to northbound and southbound lanes of I-5 at NE 45th Street is also closed during the response.
Drivers in the area should expect delays.
"If firefighters ask you to evacuate, please do so immediately. Avoid the area," Seattle Fire said in a tweet.
KIRO 7 has a crew at the scene and we will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
A gas leak in the University District has Seattle Fire evacuating buildings near 45th/Brooklyn. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/cudDXn0RZS
— Alison Grande (@AlisonKIRO7) October 14, 2019
UW Tower is evacuated. A worker told me she could smell gas in the building, before the evacuation. Gas is still spewing from the damaged gas line. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/Ufl6sBfHPy
— Alison Grande (@AlisonKIRO7) October 14, 2019
Gas is still pouring out of the damaged gas line in the U-District. Here’s what we know so far >> https://t.co/AW4if4tZDo @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/4OI5o4An66
— Alison Grande (@AlisonKIRO7) October 14, 2019
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