Gas leak in vacant building closes road in Elmira

ELMIRA, N.Y. ( WETM ) — Part of a road in Elmira was closed for about an hour on Tuesday evening while first responders investigated a gas leak.

According to an 18 News Reporter at the scene, a passerby reportedly smelled gas in the area of West Washington Avenue and Johnson Street in Elmira and called authorities at about 6:15 p.m. on Sept. 17. First responders arrived at the scene shortly after the potential leak was reported.

An investigation found that there was a gas leak inside the vacant building located at 412 W. Washington Ave. The Elmira Fire Department told 18 News that the leak was coming from the basement of the building that formerly housed Rossi Bakery, and unrelated flooding made it difficult to get to the leak.

Crews were able to turn off the building’s gas at around 7:20 p.m.

Emergency vehicles blocked West Washington Avenue from Davis Street to Johnson Street while crews took care of the leak.

The Elmira Fire Department, the Elmira Police Department, and NYSEG responded to the scene.

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