Gas leak causes street closures in downtown Seattle

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SEATTLE — Firefighters responded to a major gas leak near the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle.

Crews were called to 400 block of Fourth Avenue at about 11:55 a.m. Thursday.

A Puget Sound Energy crew was called to the scene and the leak was capped about an hour later.

Emergency vehicles are blocking the northbound lanes of Fourth at South Yesler Street. Drivers will need to use alternate routes.

A Seattle fire spokesperson said a private contractor replacing electrical lines hit a two-inch gas line.

Bus service is currently rerouted off  Fourth between South Main Street and James Street because of a blockage at South Washington Street.

Riders should use stops south of South Main Street or north of James Street until further notice.