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Gas Leak Problems Continue In Taylor

TAYLOR — Crews still haven’t identified the source of a gas leak in Lackawanna County. The leak forced more than 100 people from their homes Tuesday...
lacka gas leak

TAYLOR -- Crews still haven't identified the source of a gas leak in Lackawanna County.

The leak forced more than 100 people from their homes Tuesday night.

Now, some of them are gearing up for a few nights in a hotel.

Representatives from UGI and crews on scene will start the process of locating and repairing the leak Wednesday evening.

The housing development along Kennedy and Little League Boulevards in Taylor is operated by the Lackawanna County Housing Authority. Officials now tell us that there may be more than one natural gas leak here but crews haven't even been able to look for the source of the leaks.

A delivery of space heaters arrived at the Kennedy and Little League Boulevard development in Taylor and a faucet in every unit is running. Both are signs that the situation isn't likely to change anytime soon.

After a resident smelled natural gas, all of the 130 units were evacuated Tuesday night. Many residents without family close by went to Red Cross shelters.

"I wish they could get it fixed so I can go home to my bed. But, we're going to go to a friend's house at least for tonight and maybe a couple of days, but I'm just hoping that they do find the leak to get the problem solved," Samantha Smith said.

It's up to the Lackawanna County Housing Authority to fix the natural gas leak but it can't do any work. The authority needs approval from the gas company UGI. That's what officials spent most of the day waiting on.

"They think that there's more than one leak here. We're going to discuss that and go about tracking down those leaks and then testing the lines and if not that route, then we will maybe look at putting new lines here," said James Dartt, Lackawanna County Housing Authority.

Director James Dartt says without any good news to give residents, they moved them to nearby hotels. There is no idea yet where the gas leak is coming from and no idea yet of how long it will take to fix.

"It's cold, but at least we have a roof over our heads and food to put in our stomachs. But it was kind of strange. You know, you live there and you get evacuated and you don't know what's going on, where you're going to go, where you're going to sleep, and it's freezing outside," Kerri Smith said.

As the housing authority waits for word and the temperatures drop, the Lackawanna County Housing Authority is spending a lot of energy trying to keep water pipes from freezing.

Meals are being provided for residents staying in hotels. Officials with the Lackawanna County Housing Authority say they planned to meet with officials from UGI to come up with a plan for repairs. They won't be able to start digging until after that meeting or tell folks how much longer they will be out of their homes.

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