The Hall County Courthouse was evacuated Tuesday morning after a construction crew allegedly struck a gas line, causing a gas leak in the area.
City of Gainesville Fire Department Division Chief Keith Smith said the fire and police departments responded at 10 a.m to the leak in the area of Spring Street and E. E. Butler Parkway.
Those in the Hall County Courthouse experienced a strong gas odor, leading some to complain of lightheadedness. Occupants of the building were evacuated to Roosevelt Square. One person who was present inside the courthouse was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville for further evaluation of dizziness and nausea.
After the evacuation of the courthouse, one additional person complained of similar symptoms. The individual was evaluated by fire officials but refused transport to the hospital.
Some nearby businesses reported the smell of gas in their buildings. The fire department checked each business and found that they had a low to moderate smell of gas. People were advised to stay inside until the leak was resolved,
The gas leak was eventually stopped, and those who were evacuated from the courthouse were allowed to re-enter just before noon. Courthouse operations also resumed.
Liberty Utilities remained on-site to repair the gas line as of 12:15 p.m.
