Gas main struck in La Salle

Emergency crews responded to downtown La Salle shortly before 1 p.m. Friday after a motorist reportedly caused a breach in a gas main.

The emergency repairs were being completed in a lot located south of the Secretary of State’s Office between Second and Third streets. La Salle firefighters stood nearby with hoses at the ready in case of ignition. Traffic was limited around the perimeter.

In an update issued at 4:09 p.m., La Salle police said the accident occurred when an 81-year-old woman from Spring Valley pulled in from the south side when she struck a Dumpster that in turn “severed the gas main causing a severe emission of gas from the break.”

Ameren arrived and turned off the gas and power. First-responders from Peru and Utica assisted at the scene.