BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – Bronson City Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sunday morning’s gas leak which closed US 12 through downtown Bronson for nearly 4 hours.
The gas leak forced the evacuation of about 20 people from an apartment building on Matteson Street right across from the fire department and located just to the south of where the leak occurred in front of the Century Bank and Trust branch office on US 12.
A Michigan State Police trooper on routine patrol discovered the leak around 6:30 a.m. Sunday when he noticed the strong odor of gas and traced it back to the bank parking lot. State Police said it appeared a vehicle, which fled the area, may have struck the gas meter in front of the bank with enough force to not only start the leak at the meter but also cause the underground gas line to rupture.
Michigan Gas Utilities repaired the line and roads were reopened at 10:15 a.m. Authorities say they’re not sure how long the gas had been leaking before it was detected by police.
In addition to the Bronson Police and Fire Departments and State Police, also on scene was Consumers Energy, which turned off the power downtown until the all clear was sounded.
