A Morning Jolt in Hollywood: Gas Leak Forces Evacuations Near Iconic Portland Theatre

You know, some mornings just start with a bang, or in this case, a hiss. Thursday morning in Portland's vibrant Hollywood District certainly wasn't business as usual, especially for those near the iconic Hollywood Theatre. Around 9:30 a.m., things took an unexpected turn when a significant gas leak was reported, throwing a wrench into the day for quite a few folks.

The whole kerfuffle, as it turns out, was due to a third-party contractor accidentally striking a natural gas line. This happened right in the vicinity of NE Sandy Boulevard and NE 42nd Avenue, a pretty busy intersection, if you ask me. When you hit a gas line, well, that's not something you can just ignore, is it? Safety becomes the absolute top priority, immediately.

Naturally, Portland Fire & Rescue was on the scene in a flash. They didn't waste any time, understanding the potential danger. Alongside them were crews from NW Natural, the experts in these sorts of situations, and our diligent officers from the Portland Police Bureau, helping manage the chaos and keep everyone safe. It's truly a coordinated effort when something like this happens, and you appreciate how quickly they all spring into action.

The immediate consequence? Evacuations. The beloved Hollywood Theatre, a cornerstone of the neighborhood, had to be cleared out. But it wasn't just the theatre; several surrounding businesses, including a bustling Starbucks and the New Seasons Market, also found themselves needing to evacuate. Imagine grabbing your coffee or doing your morning shopping and suddenly being told to leave – quite the disruption!

To ensure public safety and give emergency crews the space they needed, authorities had to implement some pretty significant road closures. NE Sandy Boulevard, a major artery, was shut down between NE 41st and NE 43rd avenues. And then, over on NE 42nd Avenue, traffic was halted between NE Tillamook and NE Halsey streets. It certainly added to the morning commute woes for some, but it was absolutely necessary for everyone's well-being.

Thankfully, the situation didn't escalate beyond the initial scare. NW Natural crews worked meticulously and managed to successfully shut off the gas flow by around 11:30 a.m. What a relief that must have been for everyone involved! With the immediate danger contained, the process of returning to normal could begin. The roads, which had been closed for a couple of hours, were eventually reopened to traffic around 12:30 p.m., just in time for the afternoon rush to pick up.

And here's the best part, the most important takeaway: despite all the disruption and the potential hazards, absolutely no injuries were reported. It's a testament to the quick response of our emergency services and the cooperation of everyone in the area. Just another reminder that while accidents can happen, a swift and professional response can make all the difference, turning a potentially dangerous situation into a manageable inconvenience.