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Crews on a road rehabilitation project on Third St. in Nanaimo accidentally hit a natural gas line on Tuesday morning, prompting a quick response from firefighters and Fortis BC. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)
repairs underway

Gas line hit during Third St. roadworks in Nanaimo

Apr 7, 2026 | 10:57 AM

NANAIMO — A small number of homes near the city’s downtown had their gas service shut off following a line break.

Road crews working along the 400 block of Third St. near Howard Ave. called 911 just after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, after a piece of equipment struck a natural gas line.

Damage was contained to a small section, according to Fortis BC spokesperson Holly Harrison, who told NanaimoNewsNOW, around four properties were affected.

“The first job [for Fortis BC crews] is to make the situation safe, determine the best way to stop the blowout that was caused by the damage, and, as required, start repairs. They shut down that section, so that’s why those four customers are impacted.”

Third St., already closed off to vehicles due to the construction, was also shut down for pedestrians for a period of time after the strike.
Third St., already closed off to vehicles due to the construction, was also shut down for pedestrians for a period of time after the strike. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

A portion of Third St. was closed to pedestrians for around 30 minutes after the incident.

Repairs were expected to be completed by early Tuesday afternoon, at which point crews will go door-to-door and re-light any appliances extinguished by the outage.

Residents not home will find a red door tag left for them to call and have appliances tended to when they are home.

Harrison said the incident serves as a good reminder on what to do when a gas leak occurs.

“If you smell rotten eggs or hear the sound of escaping gas, make sure you stop what you’re doing, go outside, and call 911 or our 24-hour emergency line (1-800-663-9911).”

She added the free BC 1 Call service provides detailed information about buried infrastructure and is a crucial step before any excavation occurs on residential or commercial properties.

Ongoing construction work along Third St. is part of a year-long project to upgrade underground infrastructure and complete additional surface improvements, including improved sidewalks and bike lanes.

Crews are on Third St., undertaking a road rehabilitation project.
Crews are on Third St., undertaking a road rehabilitation project. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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