A gas company performed a temporary gas shut-off in Mountainview Residence Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, in response to an alleged gas leak on Monday afternoon.
Mountainview residents were informed of the shut-off after it was set to begin, on Tuesday at 9:37 a.m. in an email from Residential Life.
“The gas was temporarily shut off to the Mountainview residence hall this morning after a small pinhole was discovered,” John Morgan, associate vice president for public relations wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “Out of an abundance of caution, our facilities team turned off the gas to address the issue and ensure the safety of all residents.”
Due to the shut-off, hot water, building heat and dryers were temporarily affected.
“Our facilities team will be on-site to complete the repair as quickly as possible,” Residential Life wrote. “We expect the gas to be restored within approximately 2 hours, and we appreciate your patience as we work to minimize the disruption.”
On Monday, around 1:40 p.m., students and faculty were evacuated from the building after several students reported an odor to public safety.
Students received a QU Alert at 1:51 p.m.
“Due to the odor of natural gas at the Mountainview residence hall please remain clear of the area as Hamden fire investigates,” QU alerts wrote.
Firetrucks and Public Safety vehicles arrived on site to investigate the building. Students were cleared to return inside at 2:04 p.m., several students still noticed a strong odor.
Shortly after students re-entered Mountainview, a Southern Connecticut Gas van arrived outside.
“Southern Connecticut Gas delivers natural gas and related services to customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut,” according to their website.
Later that afternoon, at 4:28 p.m., Residence Hall Director Shi Malcom provided students with an update via email.
“The Hamden Fire Department responded, confirmed the smell was gasoline, and did not identify any immediate safety hazard,” Malcolm wrote.
Malcolm advised students to keep their windows open to ventilate rooms if they still noticed the odor.
“We understand that unexpected situations like this can be concerning, and we want to assure you that your safety remains our top priority,” Malcolm wrote. “The university Facilities staff will continue to monitor the situation and we will share any updates as we receive them.”
