Vehicle crashes into building, causing structural damage and a gas leak

After a vehicle struck the apartment building on Cedar St. in Manchester, it fled the scene. The MFD Fire and Building Collapse Unit responded

May 25, 2024, 8:22 p.m. EDT | Updated May 25, 2024, 8:23 p.m. EDT

MANCHESTER, NH – Firefighters evacuated a large apartment building on Cedar Street after a vehicle struck the gas line and several gas meters, causing significant structural damage to the building.

Manchester Fire Department, AMR and police responded to a gas leak at 269 Cedar Street on Saturday, caused by a vehicle striking several gas meters and damaging the building, before fleeing the scene.

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When the rescue team arrived at the scene, a gas leak had broken out and the building structure was compromised. The evacuation of several people from the building began immediately.

Firefighters used gas meters to check gas levels in the apartments and basement. No gas was detected on any floor, the basement was at 5% LEL, and firefighters from Rescue Truck 7 ventilated the basement. Rescue 1 stopped the active gas leak and Liberty Utilities was notified and responded.

Command requested the collapse unit to respond with units from Station 7. The companies removed the damaged debris from the building and used lumber from the collapse unit to shore up the damaged portion of the building.

Liberty Utilities shut off the gas service to the street and worked on site for several hours to replace the gas lines. Residents were allowed to re-occupy the building.

The vehicle fled the scene of the accident. Witnesses described it as being heavily damaged and driving on rims. The vehicle's license plate was left behind in the accident, which led investigators to the vehicle. Police currently have no information on the vehicle type or driver, but police confirmed that the vehicle has been found.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news