Gas Leak Forces Zanesville City Schools to Shelter in Place

Zanesville Fire Chief Jeff Bell says around 1:00 pm a work crew putting in a telephone pole at the corner of Blue and Fairmont Avenues accidentally struck a natural gas line causing gas to blow out of the rupture.  Bell says it happened between Zanesville High School and Zanesville Middle School and forced the closing of Blue Avenue.  The Chief says Columbia gas was called to the scene and then it was determined the gas line was owned by Energy Co-op who responded and found a nearby shutoff value to stop the flow of natural gas.  Bell says the high school, middle school at a daycare across street were advised to stay inside until the issue was resolved.  Bell says the school resource officer instituted a pick-up plan for school busses and walking students behind the high school.  There were no injuries reported.  Blue Avenue was re-opened to traffic.