Thursday, November 8, 2001

BROKEN NATURAL GAS LINE FORCES EVACUATION
Echo Bay, Ont.,

A severed natural gas pipe line in downtown Echo Bay closed Hwy 17 and forced the evacuation of some businesses and homes in that town.

At about 12:45 p.m. yesterday afternoon, a contractor was digging a hole in front of Dinnelle's Grocery store beside Hwy 17 in Echo Bay. The operator of the backhoe cut the natural gas line. The Echo Bay Fire Department, Union Gas and Sault Ste Marie OPP were immediately called to the scene.

As a precaution, all businesses and homes in the immediate area were evacuated. Hwy 17 was also closed for about one hour until the leak was contained to the satisfaction of Union Gas officials.

Business and homeowners were allowed to return to their buildings just after 2:00 p.m. Smaller vehicles on the Trans Canada highway were allowed to detour around the town of Echo Bay through a series of side roads. Larger, heavier vehicles were asked to wait on the highway until the leak was contained. There were no rep