MATTHEWS, N.C. (WBTV) - Homeowners in Matthews said they’re on edge after a second gas leak in as many months.Neighbors are still looking at the aftermath of a May explosion on Morningwood Drive that destroyed two homes. One resident, Danelle Miller, said the damage is a constant reminder about how dangerous gas leaks can be.“It’s not been forgotten about because the house is still there and people stop and look at it all the time,” Miller said.Less than a half mile away, Patricia Willis and her h...
MATTHEWS, N.C. (WBTV) - Homeowners in Matthews said they’re on edge after a second gas leak in as many months.
Neighbors are still looking at the aftermath of a May explosion on Morningwood Drive that destroyed two homes. One resident, Danelle Miller, said the damage is a constant reminder about how dangerous gas leaks can be.
“It’s not been forgotten about because the house is still there and people stop and look at it all the time,” Miller said.
Less than a half mile away, Patricia Willis and her husband, Ken Zeller, said ongoing road construction near McKee Road and Pleasant Plains Road has made them question how safe their home is.
Crews struck a gas line just feet from their front door Thursday.
“I mean if you think about how tragic this could’ve been, like down there,” Willis said.
Piedmont Natural Gas said Thursday an unaffiliated third-party excavator struck a gas line just outside the couple’s home, causing the leak. Zeller said he knew something was wrong immediately.
“Sounded like a tornado, big gush and I said I know exactly what that is because I knew what [workers] were over here doing,” Zeller said.
Willis said she’s thankful the situation didn’t escalate.
“I am very grateful that our houses are still standing. Thank you God. I mean, it’s like that was right there, and anything could’ve happened,” she said.
With construction continuing as part of the McKee Road expansion, Willis said she hopes more care is taken when crews work around underground utilities.
“I sincerely hope they get more consciousness about who they put to work on projects like this,” she said.
Piedmont Natural Gas said its technicians are highly trained to respond to leaks and damages, and that Thursday’s repairs were completed without issue.
“Piedmont’s highest priority is the safe operation of our natural gas delivery system and the safety of our customers, employees and communities,” the company said.