Natural Gas Line Punctured in Minneapolis

A natural gas line was struck late during rush hour this morning in Minneapolis, forcing the closure of a main artery, a utility official said.

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: May 4, 2009 - 9:41 AM

A natural gas line was struck late during rush hour this morning in Minneapolis, forcing the closure of a main artery, a utility official said.

A private contractor punctured the line in the 2500 block of East Hennepin Avenue, said Centerpoint Energy spokeswoman Becca Virden.

Nearby Industrial Boulevard is blocked in the area, and emergency personnel are creating a perimeter, Virden said.

"Any spark could ignite [the gas], and that's why we don't want anyone in the area at all," she said.