Gas Leak Found Under 55th Street After Early-Morning Chaveirim Call

By Y.M. Lowy

A Chaveirim call came in around 3:15 a.m. reporting a possible gas smell on 55th Street, between 14th Avenue and New Utrecht Avenue. While units were on the block checking the initial location, a neighbor approached them after noticing the Chaveirim vehicle and asked that they check another nearby home for a gas odor. Shortly after, a third call came in from across the street reporting a similar concern.

Chaveirim checked multiple homes on the block, but no gas leaks were found inside any of the houses. As a precaution, residents were evacuated and gas service to the homes was shut off. Further testing showed high gas readings near the sidewalk by a street-level gas valve.

Chaveirim then contacted National Grid, which responded to the scene. After investigating, crews determined there was a major gas leak underneath the street. Chaveirim remained on scene until 5:15 a.m. as the situation was turned over to utility crews.

Because Chaveirim identified elevated readings outside the buildings, they were able to narrow the issue to the street itself. Members noted that without this finding, the situation likely would have been treated as a building-related issue, potentially leading to extended closures and possibly causing building damage while the source remained undiscovered.