Update at 3:20 pm
Xcel Energy says it has repaired the ruptured gas line and their crews are clearing the scene. No customers were without gas.
At this time the Mesa County Joint Information Center will be deactivated.
Below are additional photos from today’s incident:
Update at 2:55 pm
From Dan Dougherty D51 Communications:
“Thank you for promptly picking up your students today due to the gas leak. Any disruption of schedule like this is stressful and challenging, but everyone responded calmly and patiently. Xcel Energy and the Fire Department were onsite and monitoring gas levels in nearby buildings, including the school, ensuring that the students were never in any danger. Had this been a dangerous emergency, students would have been evacuated to a safe site immediately, then parents would have been notified to pick-up students at the reunification location. Around 1:30 p.m. Xcel Energy located and stopped the gas leak and began repairing the line. Naturally, they will continue to monitor gas levels in the vicinity. School will resume normal operations in the morning.” #OMLeak
Update at 2:05 pm
Orchard Mesa Pool will operate on their normal schedule (swim lessons, etc.) this afternoon. #OMLeak
Update at 1:45 pm
Unified Command is terminated and the scene has been turned over to Orchard Mesa Middle School. Utility crews will continue to work in and around the area. 27 3/8 Rd remains closed between Olson Ave. and Laguna Dr. #OMLeak
Update at 1:37pm
Xcel has located and stopped the gas leak. Xcel crews will continue to monitor the gas levels in the area as they work to repair the line. 27 3/8 Rd will continue to stay closed between Unaweep Ave. and Cheyenne Dr. #OMLeak
Here are a couple photos from the scene near Orchard Mesa Middle School:
Update at 1:10 pm
Parents picking up students at Orchard Mesa Middle School need to use the bus loop entrance off of Unaweep. Traffic control officers will be directing you on where to park. Once parked, please report to the cafeteria to pick up your students.
Update at 1:00pm
Orchard Mesa Middle School is dismissing students at 12:15pm today due to the gas leak. Students are not in danger, but parents will need to pick up students through the cafeteria. No buses will be running and walkers will not be allowed to walk home. Parent or guardian pickup is required.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICERS. Traffic is getting backed up, so you will need to be patient as we work to get all parents and students reunited.
We are activating the Joint Information Center for the gas leak near Orchard Mesa Middle School. We will be posting information on this site shortly. Enter your email address in the space on the right column of this page to get updates sent to your inbox.
