Another Woodstock gas leak Monday on same block where house exploded 2 weeks ago

Another gas leak occurred Monday in Woodstock on the same block where a gas leak two weeks ago was followed by an explosion that destroyed two homes.

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District communications specialist Alex Vucha said the fire department responded to the 300 block of Lincoln Avenue in Woodstock about 1:30 p.m. Monday, but that the situation was resolved.

A Nicor spokesperson confirmed that the gas company repaired a service line on that block.

It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the line to need repair or how the leak occurred.

According to a news release Vucha sent out late Monday, the fire department turned over the scene to Nicor within 30 minutes and Nicor had fixed the service line by 4:30 p.m. According to the release, Monday’s gas leak was isolated.

With the gas leak occurring on the same block as the home explosion, the release added in some safety information about what to do if someone smells natural gas.

“With the events that occurred two weeks ago on Lincoln Avenue we understand smelling natural gas in your home or business can be concerning. If a strong smell of natural gas is present, evacuate, and call 9-1-1. Let first responders or gas company representatives locate the leak, never attempt this on your own. Also, installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home can be an easy life-saving practice to keep your loved ones safe,” according to the release.

St. Mary Church in Woodstock, across the street from the home on Lincoln Avenue that exploded two weeks ago, announced on Facebook about 3 p.m. Monday afternoon that the church property would be closed for the remainder of the day Monday and all day Tuesday due to a gas leak in the area.

The post wasn’t clear whether St. Mary School also was closed. Neither the school office, principal nor the Rev. Burt Absalon, the pastor at St. Mary Church, could be reached for comment.

The church was one of 20 structures in town that were damaged in the Oct. 9 explosion, which left one home on the block in a pile of rubble and caused extensive fire damage to the home next door.