Chesterfield businesses reopen after gas leak causes evacuation

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Several businesses in Chesterfield County have reopened after a gas leak, which is believed to have been triggered by nearby construction, caused an evacuation of the area Thursday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday near the intersection of Genito Road and Stigall Way. At around 6 p.m., it was determined that the area was safe. Antonio Volo, an employee at Anna’s Pizza nearby, described the initial signs of the leak.

“First of all, we noticed the very strong smell of propane gas,” he said. “They [firefighters] started evacuating all the businesses one by one.”

Anna’s Pizza was one of seven businesses evacuated for safety, with some losing gas service entirely.

“There were like two firefighters at the front door, and it got to the point where they were like, ‘If anybody else goes in, we’re going to have to call the police,’” Volo said.

Volo said he waited in the parking lot with his coworkers and customers for three hours before firefighters let them back inside. The northbound lanes of Genito Road were closed in the area overnight but have since reopened.

Columbia Gas of Virginia, the company that services the area, worked overnight to repair the gas lines and said the leak was caused by a third party. It is believed that the cause was digging taking place at a construction site in the area but an investigation was launched to confirm the cause.

Russel Bedell, Director of Communications for Columbia Gas of Virginia, emphasized the importance of safety when digging.

“If you’re going to be digging for any reason, you need to contact 811 at least three business days before you plan to dig, so your local utilities can mark their underground lines so you can use caution around them,” Bedell said.

He also warned of the silent but dangerous nature of gas leaks. Volo reported experiencing a headache, as did some other employees who waited during the evacuation, but luckily, no one was injured.

As of Friday morning, Safelite Glass said they still had no gas, but gas at all other businesses in the area have been restored.

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