Gas leak at UPMC facility in Dauphin County resolved after morning incident

A gas leak incident at the UPMC facility in Dauphin County was quickly resolved with the help of Susquehanna Township fire officials after a vehicle accidentally struck the building, causing the leak.

The authorities were alerted to the situation at around 7:30 a.m. when reports emerged of a vehicle hitting a gas line in the vicinity of Susquhanna Township. The incident, fortunately, has been successfully cleared by responding teams. The emergency response led officials to the location of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at the intersection of Old Post Road and Sturbridge Drive.

Upon arrival, Susquehanna Township Fire Department, under the leadership of Rob Martin, swiftly spring into action. Evacuation procedures were promptly executed for the UPMC building situated at 2805 Old Post Road. Additionally, a shelter-in-place directive was issued for a nearby day care center to ensure the safety of the occupants. By 8:30 a.m., the gas leak was successfully contained and repaired by UGI personnel. Following this, fire officials diligently inspected all three floors of the UPMC facility to rule out any further potential gas leaks.

Due to the incident, a section of Linglestown Road was temporarily closed off between Old Post Road and Sturbridge Drive, causing a minor disruption to traffic flow. Fortunately, this road closure was short-lived, thanks to the swift efforts of Susquehanna Township Public Safety Director Rob Martin and the emergency response team. Martin reported that the road was reopened for public use by 9:20 a.m.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene, and the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident was promptly transported to the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift and efficient emergency response procedures to mitigate potential hazards to both property and human life.

As emergency situations can happen unexpectedly and without warning, it is crucial for communities to be prepared and equipped to respond effectively. The collaborative efforts of all emergency response personnel, such as police, fire officials, medical services, and utility companies, ensure that incidents like the gas leak at the UPMC facility are swiftly contained and resolved to minimize any risks to public safety.