Gas leak at base of Lift One prompts evacuations in Aspen

An excavator at a construction site at the base of Lift One reportedly struck a hidden propane tank Thursday afternoon, prompting a multi-building evacuation and two street closures, according to officials. 

The leak was reported to dispatch at noon, according to Aspen Fire Chief Jake Andersen. He said dispatch reported the leak was caused by the excavator propane strike, but Aspen Fire has yet to confirm this. The call was reported from 710 S. Aspen St. 

As of 1:16 p.m. Thursday, South Aspen Street was closed toward Aspen Mountain starting at the corner of East Durant Avenue. Juan Street was also closed. Gas could be smelled as far as the corner of East Durant Avenue and South Monarch Street, three blocks from the call site.

Andersen did not know when the streets would be reopened or when the evacuation would end. 

“Anytime you have an explosive gas, such as propane or natural gas, there is a potential hazard to the public that’s in the immediate area of the leak itself, and adjacent areas,” Andersen said. “So out of an abundance of caution, we just keep people out of the area while we work to mitigate the problem.”

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