CHRISTOPHER – Residents and travelers were told to stay away from the area of the Circle K gas station on Illinois 148/West Sylvia in Christopher late Monday morning due to a large release of natural gas.
According to the Christopher Fire Department, gas was seen projecting upward from a main that was struck. A two-block evacuation radius was established though evacuation was voluntary.
It took Ameren crews several hours to repair the leak. It was secured Monday evening and the evacuation was lifted. The roadway, however, remained closed where the leak happened.