Gas Meter Hit by Lightning and Repairs - April 4, 2008

A possible explosion was avoided thanks to the quick thinking of a telephone repairman, who smelled gas, and immediately reported it to the Osgood Gas Department, according to Steve Wilhoit, who is the supervisor for the utility.

Wilhoit said the call came in last Friday, April 4 after Bruce Bauman with ETC reported smelling gas when he was working out on County Road 500 North.

Upon arrival, gas utility workers smelled the gas and knew they had a problem. "As we went to the gas meter to check the half-foot gauge, it was not spinning, but the smell was greater," noted Wilhoit. He said they walked around to the side of the residence where they found gas blowing out of the ground in two different locations. "The gas department went into defense mode," he told The Versailles Republican. They immediately dug the service line and crimped off the leak.

After investigating, Wilhoit found a lightning strike to be the cause of the problem. After several hours of work, the service was restored to the residence, with the house checking safe.

"We are grateful the repairman called to report the smell of gas as this incident could have become serious if it was not reported," Wilhoit noted. He urges people to call if you suspect a leak. "It's never a bother to check it out and it might save someone's life," he said. You can call the Ripley County Communications Center at 812-689-5555.

Osgood Utilities can now be reached 24-7-365, after hours and weekends for gas leaks, water leaks, sewer backups, etc. Simply call 812-689-0178 for a live dispatcher to get the service you need.