Flaming Inferno Bursts From Broken Gas Line In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Flames reached dozens of feet into the air after a gas line was struck by a contractor Monday in Highland Park. The breach occurred around 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of Green Bay Road and Highland Place.

No one was injured, according to a statement from city staff. As of 7 p.m., Green Bay Road was closed between Clavey Road and Washington Place until further notice, city staff announced.

Staff from North Shore Gas and Commonwealth Edison are assessing what to do next, with city public safety employees keeping residents away from the site of the blaze.

As of about 8 p.m. Monday, some residents in the area had lost power as a result of the incident, and ComEd crews were working to restore it, according to a city spokesperson.

With gas service shut off for 69 homes while North Shore Gas crews repair the damage, city staff opened warming centers at Makom Solel Lakeside and Trinity Grace Church, according to city staff.

Staff also arranged for discounted rooms at Courtyard by Marriott. Police officers were assigned to go door-to-door to provide information to affected households.

As of Tuesday morning, power and water service was restored but North Shore Gas workers were still repairing the gas line.

Residents were advised to keep a steady trickle of water flowing for the next 24 to 48 hours to reduce the risk from frozen pipes.

According to city staff, workers will need to first restore the main gas line and then activate service and conduct a pressure test at each individual house. The process is expected to be complete Tuesday evening.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the road closure had been reduced to the stretch of Green Bay Road between Rogers Williams Avenue and Washington Place.