RURAL HALL A heavy smell of gas hung in the air on Westinghouse Road at the intersection with US 52 as emergency crews repaired a break in the natural gas lines.
Authorities said a tree fell on a distribution node shortly after 10 a.m. and broke it off, sending natural gas from the fracture into the air.
The damaged line was repaired shortly after 1 p.m. on Thursday. Employees from three companies near the break remained safe while crews dealt with the break and repaired it.
Westinghouse Road was closed between US 52 and Tobaccoville Road.
A fire truck and a deputy from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office blocked the east side of the intersection at the top of the ramp.
Heavy rain was falling due to Tropical Storm Debby, making conditions difficult for both emergency responders and motorists.
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The damage appeared to affect the gas line in two locations: one on the north side of Westinghouse Road, just west of the intersection with Tobaccoville Road, and another in a nearby stand of trees, from which the gas appeared to be blowing directly into the air.
The gas escaped with such force that it refracted and caused ripples in the air above.
The loud roar of the escaping gas filled the air near the intersection, where an officer blocked traffic and fire and hazardous materials teams stood by. An officer said he was called to the scene of the accident around 10:30 a.m.
