Gas leak prompts evacuation at Urbana business

UPDATE @ 4:14 p.m.

Employees at Orbis Manufacturing, 915 Phoenix Drive, have returned to work after a ruptured gas line filled the building with natural gas and forced an evacuation.

An estimated 50 people had to exit after a worker moving product struck a gas line that feeds a heater, according to Urbana Fire Chief Mark Teller.

Columbia Gas responded to the scene and shut off the gas feed. Overhead doors were opened which helped to vent the gas out of the building.

Employees were able to go back inside by approximately 4 p.m.

Orbis manufactures reusable packaging for businesses, such as plastic containers and pallets.

FIRST REPORT

Crews in Urbana are responding to a reported gas leak inside a business in the 900 block of Phoenix Drive.

Early reports indicate employees are being evacuated after a gas leak was struck inside the building.

We have a photographer headed to the scene and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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