Georgia Capitol evacuated, streets closed after gas leak in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Georgia Capitol building was evacuated Wednesday due to a gas leak in downtown Atlanta.

Piedmont Avenue was closed near MLK Jr. Drive as emergency officials investigated and took air quality measurements, the Atlanta Fire Department said.

The breach at 201 Piedmont Ave. SE occurred when a contractor accidentally hit a gas line while digging in the area, according to Atlanta Gas Light officials.

Crews responded to the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive around 9 a.m

According to Public Information Officer Anaré Holmes, air measurements near Decatur Street led to the evacuation.

People were led out of the Georgia Capitol around 10:15 a.m

The James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building, which houses several other government offices, could also be evacuated.

Holmes said there were no signs the situation would be “extremely dangerous,” but the concern on a section of Decatur Street caused enough concern to prompt an evacuation.

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