A construction backhoe struck a natural gas main while crews were conducting fiber-optic work Friday morning, prompting evacuations and a safety perimeter along 328th Avenue near Burlington, according to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
The incident happened before 10:45 a.m. Nov. 13 and released a substantial amount of natural gas, deputies said.
According to KCSO, construction backhoe conducting fiber-optic work struck a gas main, causing a substantial release of natural gas.
The sheriff’s office responded alongside fire departments from Randall, Wheatland and Twin Lakes. Emergency personnel established a safety perimeter extending about a half-mile south of the leak, and three nearby residences were evacuated as a precaution.
WE Energies crews capped the leak and began cleanup efforts, according to WISN. No injuries were reported.
The incident was also reported by WISN and WTMJ.
The sheriff’s office urged the public to avoid the area while emergency crews responded. It was not immediately clear whether the safety perimeter and any related road restrictions had been fully lifted after the leak was capped.
