Holden News

Holden firetruck falls into sinkhole after Main St. gas leak

  • Posted by Holden News April 26, 2023 - Filed in News - #Holden  #Holden Fire Department  #Russell Hall  #Eversource  - 4,085 views

    HOLDEN — A major gas leak led to the temporary closure of Main Street and a firetruck getting stuck in a sinkhole on Wednesday.

    At 12:31 p.m., the Holden Fire Department received a call reporting a gas leak at 1063 Main Street. A Mass. D.O.T. contractor working on the roadway had struck an underground natural gas main, causing the leak.

    Holden Fire Chief Russell Hall said that the first responders found a significant natural gas leak emanating from a roadway trench that was being excavated. Main Street was closed for about 2 hours as Eversource arrived on the scene and helped temporarily patch the damaged gas main, stopping the flow of gas.

    Fire department crews inspected the surrounding structures for elevated gas levels, but found no issues.

    During their response, a firetruck parked about 300 feet from the gas leak fell into a sinkhole at the site of a previous trench. Ricky's Towing and Recovery of Leominster extricated the vehicle, which sustained minor damage. No injuries were reported on the scene.

    Chief Hall emphasized the importance of treating gas leaks as emergencies and urged the public to call 911 immediately if they suspect a damaged gas main or service.

    Thumbnail photo: Holden Fire Department

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