MIDDLETON, Idaho (CBS2) — Update:
The gas line has been successfully turned off, and the evacuation notice has been lifted. Anyone within the 4-mile radius is asked to shelter in place at this time.
An excavator digging in the field near the intersection of Purple Sage Rd. and Duff Ln. struck the gas main line causing the explosion. The picture below shows the remains of the excavator that took the brunt of the explosion at close range, though the operator escaped with only minor injuries it seems.
A piece of the gas pipeline was found a quarter of a mile away from the site of the explosion.
Original story:
Canyon County Sheriff's Office is currently working to evacuate people in a 4-mile radius of the Purple Sage Road and Duff Lane intersection following a gas line explosion that occurred nearby.
Middleton Schools report Heights and Mill Creek Elementary students are staying in their buildings in response to the gas line explosion. The schools say students are safe and will continue with lunch and classes. Local emergency services are working with the schools, and we will continue to update their status here.
CBS2 is working to gather more information now and will continue to update this story as we learn more.
