Leak closes eatery
By John Joyce
Published in News on May 28, 2015 2:35 PM
Full Size
News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Chick-fil-A Manager Brandon Galihugh and workers get an update from the Goldsboro Fire Department about a natural gas leak this morning that will have the restaurant closed for the day.
A natural gas leak forced the evacuation of the Chick-fil-A at 1201 N. Berkeley Blvd. at about 9 this morning. The restaurant will not reopen today.
Goldsboro Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Frank Sasser said a gas leak behind the building prompted the evacuation.
"They had a gas line break behind the building. The break is below the cut-off valve meaning it is below the ground. Piedmont Natural Gas is going to have to dig it out," Sasser said.
Fire and EMS crews arrived on scene minutes after receiving the call. Store manager Brandon Gallihugh had by that time cleared all his employees from the building.
Gallihugh declined to comment without first having a chance to speak to the store owner who had not yet arrived on scene, but did confirm two employees asked to be checked out by Wayne County EMS after saying they felt light-headed.
Paramedics took two female employees inside an ambulance and conducted tests. Both employees emerged moments later with clean bills of health.
Sasser said Piedmont Natural Gas conducted tests on its own and readings showed the gas was dissipating at about 10 feet from the leak.
"They got on scene about five minutes after we did and took some readings. Natural gas is lighter than air so it goes straight up and plus there is this wind today," Sasser said.
With the immediate dissipation and assistance from the wind, Sasser said the evacuation would be limited to the restaurant itself and the parking lot.
"The employees have been sent home for the day and we have cut the power to the building. We are just doing everything to ensure safety at this point."
Exactly what caused the line break and what the costs will be once the extent of the damage is assessed were not yet known at the time of this report.