Gas leak forces evacuation of downtown shoppers

A natural gas leak interrupted shopping at Gateway Mall Monday afternoon.

A six-inch gas main on 400 West near 50 South, where there is currently heavy road construction, was damaged just after 1 p.m. The ensuing leak forced the evacuation of all businesses and shoppers from South Temple to 100 South along the Rio Grande side of Gateway, which included Dick's Sporting Goods.

Salt Lake City fire crews said it was unknown Monday how many people were forced to evacuate.

By 2:05 p.m. the situation was declared under control and by 2:45 p.m. all areas of the mall were give the all clear for shoppers to return.