Firefighters Evacuate Children Amid Durham Gas Leak

Waren Burn

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04-12-2024

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Durham, NC – A gas leak near a daycare center in Durham prompted a swift evacuation of several children this afternoon. Firefighters responded to reports of a strong gas odor emanating from a ruptured pipe near the Little Sprouts Daycare facility on Elm Street around 2:15 PM.

Rapid Response and Evacuation

The Durham Fire Department arrived on the scene within minutes. A spokesperson for the department, Captain Robert Miller, stated that the leak appeared to be significant, necessitating the immediate evacuation of approximately 20 children and five staff members from the daycare. No injuries were reported.

Controlled Environment

Emergency responders quickly established a safe perimeter around the affected area. The children were temporarily relocated to a nearby community center, where they were provided with refreshments and monitored by daycare staff. Parents were contacted and arrived to collect their children within the hour.

Investigation Underway

Duke Energy crews were dispatched to the scene to repair the damaged gas line and contain the leak. Captain Miller emphasized the prompt and efficient response, attributing the success of the evacuation to the well-rehearsed emergency protocols in place at both the daycare and the fire department.

While the exact cause of the pipe rupture remains under investigation, Captain Miller noted that the incident serves as a potent reminder of the importance of regular infrastructure maintenance and swift emergency response procedures. The daycare center has confirmed that it will remain closed until the gas line is fully repaired and deemed safe by authorities. The Durham Fire Department will release a further statement once the investigation is concluded.