State of emergency declared after hazmat situation in downtown Wheatley
A state of emergency has been declared and several homes have been evacuated after a hazmat situation in downtown Wheatley.
Chatham Kent Fire Service crews from Wheatley and Tilbury attended 16 Erie Street North in downtown Wheatley Wednesday just before 2:30 p.m. for a reported gas leak.
“It’s definitely not natural gas,” said Chatham-Kent fire chief Chris Case. “This is predominantly the type of response we get from an old gas well or capped well. It’s typical of that type of release.”
Windsor Hazmat team attended Wednesday evening to assist.
Several businesses with residential apartments above them were evacuated as a precaution. Police were also on scene and closed the road due to the strong odour.
Bob Smith was one of the 27 residents evacuated from the area.
“Finally got me up, came down and moved on to elsewhere for the night and went to work,” he said.
Gas service to eight adjoining buildings was turned off and purged to rule out natural gas as the cause.
Businesses like the Car Barn restaurant have been shut down.
Owner Barry Broadbent is worried about the food he has in storage, with the electricity to the building shut off.
“The actual area that’s being affected seems to be around the corner from us, so hopefully we’ll be able to get the hydro up and running and get everything back to normal,” Broadbent said.
Chatham-Kent fire officials say it is not a gas leak. Enbridge Gas was there to assist the fire department and as a precaution have shutoff gas to possibly effected homes.
Personnel from CK Police Service, CK EMS and Enbridge also attended.
“We’ve shut off the hydro and we’re trying to make sure that there’s absolutely no chance of gas being ignited,” Case said. “It is very dangerous. Gas coming up from the ground which is why we’re taking a level of precaution.”
The Provincial Ministry of Environment was also on scene and the Ministry of Natural Resources has been informed.
Case said the gas is consistent with a leak coming from a well, however, that has yet to be determined.
The municipality has contacted an expert who is on the way to determine the source of the leak and recommend how to move forward.
There is no indication at this time as to when gas will be restored to the buildings or when the Fire Department will lift the evacuation order.
The state of emergency remains in effect and the public is asked to avoid the area.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.