It is in the neighborhood of Prospect Drive and Stone Road.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 1:08 p.m.
Read more: Local
BESSEMER TOWNSHIP --
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 1:38 p.m.
Two special gas trucks are on the scene providing fuel to homes that were left without due to the rupture in the gas pipeline north of Bessemer.
The trucks, which are utilized for this type of emergency, are currently supplying natural gas to the towns of Bessemer and Ramsay.
Officials estimate approximately 350 homes were left without gas.
Right now, around 40 workers are welding a cap on the end of the pipeline.
Once repaired, fuel will be redistributed through the section of pipe.
Xcel Energy is going around to homes re-lighting pilot lights after gas was returned from the emergency trucks.
The pressure in the line can generally carry up to 1080 P.S.I., but the pressure now is up to 790 P.S.I.
Check back on tonight's newscasts for more, and as always, we'll keep you updated here on uppermichiganssource.com with the very latest.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 7:17 a.m.
New video of gas leak uploaded to YooperTube by DKG. Remember, if you see breaking news or anything you'd like to share, log-on and share it on YooperTube.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 4:45 a.m.
Residents just north of the city of Bessemer were allowed back home Wednesday morning after being evacuated Tuesday because of a natural gas line rupture. The Gogebic County Emergency Operations Center gave the all clear to residents late Tuesday night after gas level testing indicated the leak had been contained.
Crews with Northern Natural Gas remained on the scene throughout the night.
Everyone within a half mile around the gas main was evacuated.
Crews say it will take some time to determine the cause of the rupture, but authorities believe heavy frost earlier in the year may have weakened the line.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 6:50 p.m.
Gas is still leaking from the ruptured main and crews continue to work on getting the gas turned off.
Those that have been evacuated from their homes can go to the courthouse where Red Cross officials are on-hand to assist where needed.
In addition to the evacuation, 219 residents are currently without gas at this time.
The FAA has also asked that airplanes avoid the area and fly no closer than 1,000 feet above the site due to the danger of gas fumes still in the air.
At this time, emergency officials aren't sure when evacuees will be able to return to their homes or when gas will be restored to those affected. They estimate that it could take one to two days to get the main fixed.
In the meantime, they are still asking people to stay away from the site while crews continue to work on getting the problem fixed.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 5:21 p.m.
Residents north of Bessemer have been evacuated due to a natural gas pipeline rupture.
Officials have established an evacuation area approximately a half mile around the area of the leak which is located near Stone Road and North Moore Road in Bessemer Township.
Witnesses say the rupture shook buildings miles away. TV6 has also heard reports of the leak sounding like a jet engine within one mile of the break.
A video of the leak was submitted to a new feature on uppermichiganssource.com called YooperTube. Jon Brown from Bessemer captured video and photos shortly after the rupture happened and uploaded it. You can check it out here.
There are no reports of injuries at this time.
Currently, officials are asking everyone to stay away from the site while the crews work to shut off the main.
TV6's Natalie Zimmermann is on the scene and is working on the story for tonight's newscasts. Be sure to tune in for more then, and check back on uppermichiganssource.com for the very latest.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 3:24 p.m.
In addition to video submitted to YooperTube, JB has also uploaded new photos from the scene.
Check them out here.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 2:45 p.m.
Emergency personnel have evacuated a half mile radius around the 16-inch gas main that has ruptured just north of the City of Bessemer.
Gas company personnel are shutting down the main.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
According to Scott Voit at the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office, a perimeter has been established and residents and on-lookers are asked to stay out of the area until further notice.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 2:35 p.m.
Check out the video of the leak that JB uploaded to YooperTube.
If you have video or photos of news happening, be sure to share it with us on YooperTube.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 2:23 p.m.
A press release from the Michigan State Police states that local law enforcement, fire department personnel, and Xcel Energy personnel have responded to the reported pipeline gas leak between Stone Road and North Moore Road in Bessemer Township
Homes in the area have now been evacuated for safety.
Officials are still asking that everyone stay away from this area.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 1:08 p.m.
TV6 has learned a major natural gas line has ruptured in north Bessemer.
Witnesses describe the leak as sounding like a jet engine and can be heard up to a mile away.
It is in the neighborhood of Prospect Drive and Stone Road.
No evacuations have been called for yet.
The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department stresses everyone should stay away from the area.
Stay tuned to TV6 and uppermichiganssource.com for the very latest updates on this developing situation.
