A contractor using a Bobcat to dig near the Sterling Highway’s Mile 135 hit an ENSTAR gas line yesterday, prompting the evacuation of Ninilchik’s school, approximately one quarter mile away.
ENSTAR’s Lindsay Hobson…
She said in an abundance of caution the Alaska State Troopers notified the school, which was evacuated.
140 students and roughly 20 teachers and staff moved to the Ninilchik Fairgrounds and school buses were rerouted to the evacuation point.
Troopers also closed the Sterling Highway.
The evacuation notices were rescinded and the road reopened just before 3pm. ENSTAR crews responded by 4pm to repair the line and said there was no imminent threat to the school.
No additional damage or any injuries were reported.
