One vehicle accident on Madison Ave in Clarion leads to gas leak Tuesday

               Tuesday morning, April 13, a one vehicle accident on Madison Ave in Clarion occurred near T & S Sanitation between 3^rd and 4^th Ave NW. According to Clarion Chief of Police Steve TerHark, the driver of the vehicle experienced an unknown health emergency and lost control. The vehicle then struck an aboveground gas regulator, causing a significant gas leak.

               The driver was transported by ambulance to the hospital. No other injuries were reported.

Responding agencies to the accident included the Clarion Police Department, Clarion Fire Department, Clarion Ambulance, City of Clarion Public Works and MidAmerican Energy.

               Clarion Fire Chief Pat McCormick said the fire department assisted the police and ambulance in getting the victim out of the vehicle as well as assisting in removing the vehicle from the leak site. He added that they also evacuated a few nearby houses to the east of the gas leak.

               TerHark said the incident could have been far more dangerous if not for the stiff wind that made the gas less of a threat. He noted that he was pleased by the quick response from everybody and all the helping hands.

               The affected block of Madison Ave remained closed for the next several hours after the incident with MidAmerican crews working on the gas leak.