Cedar Rapids block evacuated after gas line digging accident

Firefighters have evacuated five homes after a gas line was punctured Tuesday morning in southwest Cedar Rapids.

Authorities said the homeowner at 1816 Second St. SW was using a small excavator to dig near the sidewalk around 8 a.m. when he struck a 2-inch gas line. Firefighters evacuated five people from homes on the block and unrolled fire hoses as a precaution.

The hissing sound of the gas could be heard from a block away, even over the rumble of fire engines on the scene.

Fire Department spokesman Greg Buelow said the home was damaged during the 2008 flood and owner Kevin Bailey was digging for a water line as remodeling continued.

"As soon as I hit it, it was call 911," Bailey said. "Instantly, there was the noise."

Bailey said he did not call about the location of the gas lines between the sidewalk and the street. He said a gas company worker was at the house and told him the gas line went straight out from his house.

"It's not their fault, though," Bailey said. "It's completely my fault."

Fire engines blocked Second Street SW from 18th to 19th avenues. They estimated it would be at least 9:45 a.m. before the repairs were completed.

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