VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — [Update 7/3 @5:40 p.m.] According to John Kraft, Corporate Communications Manager of Atlanta Gas Light, the gas leak started due to a contractor digging in that area.

Full statement from Kraft below:

“Atlanta Gas Light’s top value is the safety of our customers and the communities we serve. On Thursday, July 2, we responded and safely completed repairs to a line damaged by a contractor doing work unrelated to Atlanta Gas Light. The line was near Eager Rd. in Valdosta.

The Valdosta Fire Department shared in a Facebook post that “Atlanta Gas and Light has restored service to the area after repairing the damaged line.” The post goes on to say, “They are still working to cover the dug-up areas again but hope to have Eager Road completely open around 12 PM.”

[Original article] A large gas leak was reported this afternoon at the intersection of Eager Road and Walmar Place, according to a Facebook post from the Valdosta Fire Department.

Atlanta Gas Light crews were able to stop the leak and are now working to repair the damage, which is expected to take several hours, the post said. During repairs, Eager Road is closed from North Oak Street to Fawnwood Circle.

Earlier in the incident, the fire department said Atlanta Gas and Light was working to shut down lines feeding the damaged gas main, and while pressure on the leak had significantly reduced, it remained substantial.

The Valdosta Fire Department monitored conditions on scene and was assisted by the Valdosta Police Department with traffic control. Residents nearby may notice the odor of gas, but officials said winds were helping keep concentrations below dangerous levels.

The Valdosta Fire Department asked the public to give crews space to work safely and restore utilities.

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