April 22, 2009

Contractor hits gas line near West Edmonton Mall

A gas line was hit outside of the West Edmonton Mall last week, which resulted in the partial evacuation of the shopping centre.

A contractor was digging holes for foundation piles near exit 32 on the east side of the mall, when an auger hit a four inch gas line.

According to ATCO Gas, the contractor had received a locate from Alberta OneCall, but it had expired.

It is not known if the contractor exposed the line by hand, as required by law.

The gas leak was discovered by Zellers staff, who were evacuated, along with other tenants in the surrounding part of the mall.

Edmonton police assisted with the evacuation. The gas line hit left half the mall without gas.

ATCO was able to find the underground gas valve and cap the line in about two hours. Partial service was restored to the mall later that evening.

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