Three buildings on the New Mexico Highlands University campus were evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a construction crew hit a gas line while doing a construction project in the Felix Martinez parking lot.
The Student Union Building, the Felix Martinez Center and Rodgers Hall were evacuated just after 4 p.m. Police closed the adjoining streets including University Avenue from W National Street to 8th Street.
University officials said they anticipate crews will fix the gas leak Tuesday evening.
City utility officials turned off gas for the three evacuated buildings, and also Douglas Hall, Lora Shields and Donnelly Library to make the repair. In an announcement sent just after 5:30 p.m., Highlands asked staff to cancel any evening classes held in those buildings. Food service was also moved to the Wilson Center for the night.
Highlands officials announced an “all clear” at 5:15 p.m. University Avenue will remain closed until the gas line is repaired.
“Once gas officials complete the repair, we’ll reopen that section of the street,” said David Lepre, vice president for communications and marketing for the university.
Every other building north of University Avenue has gas, Lepre said in a phone call, including student dormitories.
University officials said no one was injured in the accident.
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