Gas leak causes Berkeley slowdown
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on September 4, 2014 1:46 PM
A natural gas leak prompted law enforcement to block off South Berkeley Boulevard this morning around 9.
A resident at 117 S. Berkeley Blvd. was digging a post hole near his heat pump when he hit a 3/4-inch service line, releasing natural gas into the air.
"Our main concern is keeping ignition sources away from the leak," Goldsboro Fire Department Chief Gary Whaley said. "We clear the area 500 feet in every direction in case of ignition."
The businesses at Adamsville Plaza were evacuated, and the southbound lane heading into Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was blocked off.
Seymour Johnson officials said the base was conducting business as usual but had alerted airmen about congestion around the Berkeley Boulevard gate.
North Carolina Natural Gas Co. responded after the fire department and police secured the area to attempt to plug the gas leak.
As of 10 this morning, fire officials said the gas leak could take until noon to fully plug and get under control.