Utility crews and firefighters work to stop a gas leak in downtown Washington. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

A firefighter enters the evacuated post office in downtown Washington. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Utility crews struck a gas line causing a leak in downtown Washington Tuesday morning.

At about 10:15 a.m. the line was struck near the intersection of Marion Avenue and West 2nd Street. The Washington County Courthouse, post office, and nearby businesses on the block were evacuated while crews worked to fix the line. Crews were working in the alley between the post office and court house. As heard live from the scene with KCII News, a strong odor of gas could be smelled across the street from the post office. Washington Fire Department, Washington Police, Washington County Ambulance, Washington County Sheriff’s personnel, and utility crews were on scene. KCII News will bring more information as it becomes official.