Smell Of Gas Causes Evacuation Of Henrico Shopping Center - WRIC Richmond News and Weather -

Smell Of Gas Causes Evacuation Of Henrico Shopping Center

Posted: Updated:
  • 8News

  • Saturday, May 25 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-25 21:33:18 GMT
    HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) - The Virginia State Police are investigating the shooting along Interstate 81 near Harrisonburg that resulted in the wounding of a tractor-trailer driver. The shooting took place
    HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) - The Virginia State Police are investigating the shooting along Interstate 81 near Harrisonburg that resulted in the wounding of a tractor-trailer driver. The shooting took place
  • Saturday, May 25 2013 4:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 20:06:29 GMT
    PARIS (AP) -- A French soldier was stabbed in the throat in a busy commercial district outside Paris on Saturday, and France's president said authorities are investigating any possible links with the recent
    PARIS (AP) -- A French soldier was stabbed in the throat in a busy commercial district outside Paris on Saturday, and France's president said authorities are investigating any possible links with the recent
  • Saturday, May 25 2013 2:41 PM EDT2013-05-25 18:41:46 GMT
    RICHMOND, Va - Scholarship Sharing is a student run organization that helps put as much information about financial aid, scholarships and grant opportunities into one place for students. Our main goal
    RICHMOND, Va - Scholarship Sharing is a student run organization that helps put as much information about financial aid, scholarships and grant opportunities into one place for students. Our main goal

Henrico, VA—A shopping center was evacuated Wednesday evening, after a citizen alerted the Henrico Fire Department about a strong smell of gas inside a store.

At 2:25, an individual entered Henrico Fire Station 11 and stated that he had just come from the ABC store in the 800 block of Parham Road, and noticed a strong smell of gasoline.

The on-duty hazardous materials unit responded to the store, and an evacuation of the ABC store and adjoining businesses was ordered. After high levels of lower explosive limits (LEL) were detected, the entire shopping center was evacuated.

The Department of Public Utilities responded as well as the Department of Environmental Quality to assist with determining the source of the gasoline smell.

After running cameras through the connected sanitation system, no source for the gasoline smell was found. LEL readings began to drop, and the Family Dollar Store and Big Lots were reopened around 6:30 PM.

Though the source of the gasoline smell remains unknown, DEQ and utilities is checking the sanitation system down line. There were no injuries reported in this incident.

Stay with 8News for updates.

 

Copyright 2013 by Young Broadcasting of Richmond