SPENCER, IA (northwestiowanow.com) – A gas leak prompted a swift emergency response and multiple evacuations in Spencer on Wednesday afternoon.

At approximately 12:26 p.m., emergency services were dispatched to the intersection of West 7th Street and 3rd Avenue West after an excavation crew struck a gas line. Units were en route by 12:30 p.m. and arrived on scene within a minute.

Upon arrival, responders confirmed an active gas leak from a main line, and evacuations were already underway. Fire crews immediately began monitoring gas levels and assisting with evacuations. Due to dangerously high gas concentrations, Spencer Municipal Utilities (SMU) disconnected power to one residence. Firefighters also ventilated affected structures to ensure safety.

Black Hills Energy and excavation crews worked to expose two large gas mains to identify the source of the leak. Once located, the damaged main was successfully repaired by Black Hills Energy technicians.

No injuries were reported, and the situation was brought under control thanks to the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies.

Responding units included Spencer Fire Department Units 901, 993, and 991, along with the Spencer Police Department, Black Hills Energy, Spencer Municipal Utilities, and the Spencer Street Department.