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A gas leak at the intersection of Buffalo and Market streets Monday afternoon caused business evacuations and street closures for two hours.
Employees of Construction Services of Indiana, Warsaw, were installing a 12-inch water main along Market Street when they ran into an unmarked gas line around 1:30 p.m., according to owner Pete Paseka.
The installation was part of the sidewalk reconstruction project that began Aug. 28 along the north and south sides of Market Street.
Paseka said he called 911 immediately and crews from the Warsaw Police Department and Warsaw and Winona Lake fire departments were dispatched.
Streets were immediately closed from Market to Indiana as well as Buffalo, Jefferson and Center.
Businesses evacuated included National City Bank, Rex's Rendezvous, Brown Bag Deli, Denny House and Shop Around the Corner.
NIPSCO workers arrived at the scene and took 45 minutes to assess the situation and close off the leak.
"NIPSCO, as well as the police and fire departments, should be commended for their immediate response and closing down the streets," Paseka said.
Police and fire crews were released around 3:30 p.m. after checking building basements to assure safety.
The streets reopened around 4 p.m., Paseka said.
