A normal, peaceful fall day in Jonesboro was abruptly disrupted on Monday, November 9th, when a gas line ruptured, causing evacuations and service interruptions for residents and businesses that continued through Tuesday.
According to reports, around 11:00 am on Monday, a utility company working in Jonesboro struck a main gas line at the corner of Cooper Avenue and First Street, creating a potential safety hazard as gas was spewing from the ruptured line.
The Town of Jonesboro Police Department (JPD), Public Works, and the Jonesboro Fire Department, along with representatives from Atmos Entergy, responded quickly, and immediate action resulted in Jonesboro-Hodge High School and those in the immediate area being evacuated and the JPD issuing a Public Safety Advisory requesting all citizens to stay clear of the area around Cooper Street, First and Second Avenue.
A barricade was put in place around the affected area while emergency crews worked to contain the leak and repair the line. Later that evening, the JPD announced it was safe for residents to return home. Repair work continued through the night and into the next day, leaving many without gas service and prompting Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris to issue the following statement at 11:00 am on Tuesday.
“I understand the concerns and frustrations surrounding the current natural gas outage affecting much of our town. I have personally spoken with Atmos Energy personnel working on the ground, and I want to assure our residents that crews are actively working to resolve the situation. Once repairs are complete, Atmos Energy must take the necessary steps to ensure the gas lines are safe before restoring service. Technicians will then go door-to-door, including homes and businesses, to safely relight appliances that require natural gas. At this time, there is NO CONFIRMED TIME FRAME for full restoration of service.
I know this disruption is inconvenient, and I sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. We will continue communicating with Atmos Energy and providing updates as reliable information becomes available. Thank you for your patience as we work through this together.” – Mayor James “Spike” Harris.
UPDATE! Gas Main Repaired – Service Expected to be Restored on Wednesday
Thanks to Atmos Energy, Jonesboro First Responders, and the Jonesboro Public Works Department working diligently over the past 36 straight hours, Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris is pleased to announce that as of 11:00 pm on Tuesday, the gas line that had been ruptured on the corner of Cooper Avenue and First Street in Jonesboro has been repaired. Harris added that Atmos Energy representatives will visit households and businesses tomorrow to turn the gas back on at each location.
“I applaud the tremendous work done by Atmos Energy, the Town of Jonesboro Public Works Department, Jonesboro Fire Department and the Jonesboro Police Department for their diligent effort in keeping our residents safe from what could have been a disastrous situation.”