Gas leak near Idaho school delays buses, prevents students from walking, closes road

Intermountain Gas Company crews are investigating a gas leak in Meridian along Pine Street near Meridian Elementary School, according to officials.

Meridian Police/Fire spokeswoman Stephany Galbreaith said Pine Street was shut down between Meridian Road and Linder Road on Wednesday afternoon, and parents of students at the school were notified. No students who normally walk home were allowed to, with their parents informed that they could pick them up.

Buses leaving the school were being delayed by at least 20 minutes, Galbreaith said.

Meridian Fire Department crews were on the scene working with gas crews, and police were redirecting traffic, with Pine Street expected to be closed until at least 6 p.m. Police asked motorists to avoid the area.

Initial reports indicate that a construction crew working in the area might have hit an underground gas line, according to Galbreaith.

There were no reports of anyone being injured or sickened.