Gas leak disrupts downtown stores
Lawrence police and fire personnel briefly evacuated three downtown businesses after a natural gas leak Saturday afternoon.
Shortly after 2 p.m., a small car driving in an alley behind Aladdin Cafe, 1021 Mass., struck a gas meter, causing natural gas to hiss out of the broken meter.
No injuries or fire resulted from the accident, but the pungent smell of natural gas drifted across downtown Lawrence and forced customers and employees to briefly vacate Aladdin Cafe, Supersonic Music and Urban Outfitters.
John Garner was eating a late lunch with friends when the accident occurred.
“All of a sudden, a waitress started shooing everyone out,” Garner said. “People tried to settle their bills in whatever manner they could.”
Mohammed Iskandrani, owner of Aladdin Cafe, said the restaurant was nearly full when he heard the car strike the gas meter.
“They had trouble getting people from the gas company to get the gas shut off,” he said.
Police closed down traffic on Vermont Street between 10th and 11th streets for about 30 minutes after the accident. Customers were allowed back into Urban Outfitters and Supersonic Music shortly before 3 p.m.
The Aladdin Cafe was open later Saturday afternoon.