Red Robin, Wells Fargo Evacuated After Gas Leak

Red Robin, Wells Fargo Evacuated After Gas Leak

A routine Tuesday afternoon in Idaho Falls turned into a hazardous situation when an excavator struck a natural gas line near the popular Red Robin restaurant, triggering an immediate evacuation of the eatery and an adjacent Wells Fargo bank.

The Incident: What Happened?

According to officials from the City of Idaho Falls, the incident occurred around East 17th Street when a private construction company's excavator accidentally punctured a 4-inch natural gas line. The breach caused a significant gas leak, prompting swift action from emergency responders. The Idaho Falls Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene, treating the situation as a high-priority hazard due to the potential risks of fire and explosion.

As a precautionary measure, both Red Robin and the neighboring Wells Fargo Bank were immediately evacuated to ensure the safety of employees and customers. Eastbound traffic on East 17th Street at Ashment Street was temporarily halted as crews worked to secure the area.

Swift Response and Resolution

Within minutes of the emergency call, multiple agencies coordinated their efforts to contain the situation. Intermountain Gas, the local utility provider, arrived on scene in less than 20 minutes and successfully pinched off the damaged pipe, stopping the leak. The Idaho Falls Fire Department later commended the collaborative effort, highlighting the quick actions of Intermountain Gas, Idaho Falls Power, and Idaho Falls Police Department.

"Their swift response and coordination helped minimize impacts and ensure public safety," stated officials in a press release. The gas line was fully secured within hours, allowing authorities to reopen all roadways and permit businesses to resume normal operations.

Impact on the Community

The evacuation caused temporary disruptions for local businesses and commuters, but the efficient response prevented any injuries or major structural damage. Red Robin patrons and Wells Fargo customers were safely relocated during the incident, with no reported incidents of exposure to the gas.

Events like this underscore the importance of safety protocols when working near underground utilities. The Idaho Falls Fire Department reminds residents and construction companies to always call 811 before digging to locate buried lines and to report any suspected gas leaks immediately by calling 911.

What You Should Know About Gas Leaks

If you suspect a gas leak, follow these critical safety steps:

• Evacuate the area immediately
• Do not use electrical devices or open flames
• Do not turn appliances on or off
• Call 911 from a safe location

Looking Ahead

While the immediate threat has been resolved, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath urban landscapes. Officials are expected to review construction safety protocols in the area to prevent similar occurrences.

For updates on local safety initiatives or to learn more about utility safety, residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Idaho Falls official channels.