Garbage truck hits gas main, causing residents in Southfield apartment complex to evacuate

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Residents at a senior living apartment complex in Southfield were evacuated Wednesday morning after a garbage truck hit a gas main.

Southfield Fire Chief Joey Thorington said a garbage truck struck a 3-inch gas main below the shutoff at Highland Towers on July 8 at around 8:30 a.m., and they weren’t able to shut off the gas.

Thorington said the garbage company called 911 to report the incident, prompting residents in the apartment complex to evacuate.

While fire crews are airing out the apartment complex that’s filled with natural gas, Thorington said Southfield Public Schools offered school buses for the residents to stay cool while they wait.

Hear from the Southfield Fire Chief in the video below: