Downtown Des Moines gas leak shuts down Pappajohn Sculpture Park, nearby roads

DES MOINES, Iowa — A gas leak shut down the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines Tuesday night.

The Des Moines Police Department and Fire Department responded to reports of a ruptured natural gas line in the Western Gateway. Police said the scene was secured and repair crews with Mid-American Energy were on the way.

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park at 1330 Grand Avenue as well as the roads bordering the park were temporarily closed.

A nearby resident who had to evacuate her apartment due to the gas leak told WHO 13 that the experience was frustrating.

“I was in the apartment talking on the phone with my friend and I heard a bunch of knocking on the door saying they’re with the fire department and people had to leave,” the resident said. “I went to answer my door and they said there was a gas leak and we needed to leave, so we all came down here of course. They were looking for the gas leak to find where it was at and the fire department told us we can go back in, they thought they found it, and then come to find out we were told to come back downstairs.”

According to the Des Moines Fire Department, the gas leak was caused by a person driving a skid loader who accidentally hit a gas main on the building.

After the gas line was shut off, residents were able to return to their apartments.

Latest Metro News:

• Downtown Des Moines gas leak shuts down Pappajohn Sculpture Park, nearby roads
• Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen addresses passage of public camping ban
• DMPD’s new mobile app aims to connect the community to officers
• DMPD officers shot after chase, crash continue recovery
• Kentucky man accused of sexually extorting minor by posing as a friend

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.