Local
Possible underground methane sends Antioch residents from 53 Nashville homes
Firefighters evacuated 53 apartment and townhome units on Ben Hill Drive early Saturday after finding dangerous natural gas and carbon monoxide readings in several buildings. Officials suspect nearby construction may have disturbed a natural methane pocket; residents could be displaced for days.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Residents of 53 homes at an Antioch complex were evacuated early Saturday after Nashville firefighters found dangerous levels of natural gas and carbon monoxide in multiple buildings.
Crews responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at about 1:20 a.m. at 215 Ben Hill Drive. Testing found elevated readings beyond the unit where the alarm sounded, prompting the evacuation of a 36-unit building and four nearby townhome buildings. Residents in most of the townhomes left on their own, fire officials said.
No injuries were reported, and medical crews had not been asked to evaluate any residents. The utility Spire responded to the scene.
Firefighters, after consulting a geologist, believe digging or blasting at a nearby construction site may have disturbed a pocket of methane underground. Officials said they believe the gas is naturally seeping from the ground, rather than coming from a commercial gas line. The odorless gas was detected alongside carbon monoxide.
Readings had fallen slightly from their initial levels but remained steady, rather than dissipating, officials said. It could take as long as three days for the gas to clear. Residents who have not left can shelter in the complex’s clubhouse, though most had already departed. Fire officials said they had been unable to reach property management, and residents may need to arrange other housing for the weekend.