Aurora Fire Department Engine 5 and Battalion 1 responded to the intersection of Montgomery Road and Mair Drive for a Level I Hazardous Material natural gas leak at 07:32 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single vehicle on top of an above-ground natural gas service valve that was releasing natural gas. The vehicle struck the gas service valve and a fire hydrant after it allegedly veered off the road.
Per the Aurora Police Department, the occupants of the vehicle refused to be seen by paramedics. Aurora Police shut down traffic on Montgomery Road between Kautz Road and Waterford Drive, and at the intersection of Mair Drive.
As a precaution, one building that is a part of a nursing and rehabilitation facility that was approximately 300-400 feet from the gas leak, moved their residents to another area of the building and firefighters deployed a hose line to protect the scene until the leak could be stopped.
Representatives from Nicor were on the scene, but could not readily gain access to the gas line valve because the vehicle was on top of it. Truck Company 6 was called to the scene to assist an area towing company to safely lift and stabilize the vehicle to provide access for Nicor to shut off the gas. Once the gas line was addressed, a crew from the City of Aurora Water Department gained access to the fire hydrant and assess the damage.
The scene was turned over to Nicor and the Water Department which remained on the scene making repairs. The area was completely shut down to traffic for approximately three hours. Assistance with traffic control was provided by the City of Aurora and Kane County Emergency Management Agency.
—Aurora Fire Department