UPDATE @ 12:30 p.m.
Crews working to demolish the former Ahlstrom paper plant in West Carrollton struck an 8-inch natural gas line, causing a leak that has been stopped, according to dispatchers.
Nearby residents and businesses were being asked to stay indoors while traffic in the area is expected to be shut down until after 1 p.m., officials said.
The leak was reported about 11 a.m. after crews knocked down a wall that hit a gas line while demolishing the 119-year structure at the intersection of South Elm and West Central, officials said.
West Carrollton police and fire crews were blocking traffic at that intersection, but dispatchers said fire crews have left the scene.
UPDATE @12:05 p.m.:
Fire officials said the gas leak has been shut off, however the road is expected to be closed for another hour.
FIRST REPORT:
A demolition company working at the old Ahlstrom paper plant in West Carrollton struck a large, 8” natural gas line, according to dispatchers.
West Carrollton police and fire crews are blocking traffic at Elm Street and West Central Avenue.
Our photographer on scene said police and fire crews are knocking on the doors of businesses in the area to evacuate people in the immediate area.
He also said he could hear the hissing of the gas leak from more than a block away.
Continue to check this site for further developments.