According to an Alliant Energy spokesman, a contractor doing work installing a cable dug into a 2-inch gas main next to the AmericInn Hotel, located at 1406 North 25th Street.
The spokesman said gas is safe when venting into the atmosphere, however, at this hit, the gas was venting up and was getting sucked in by a nearby pool vent – sucking gas into the hotel.
The hotel was evacuated and power was shut off to prevent sparks or sources of ignition. The scene was made safe by Alliant technicians.
There were no injuries.
This is another reminder about the reason to dig carefully. Anywhere, anytime. Some utilities lines, like cable, can be just an inch or two underground. Gas lines are more than a foot down. Utility lines runs in roads and yards, so it’s always important to call 811 before you dig so you know where buried lines are located.