Far South Side residents affected by Hammond, Ind., gas leak

Emergency crews remain on the scene early Wednesday of a gas leak caused by a traffic crash in Hammond, Ind., just west of the Illinois-Indiana state line, that is affecting Chicago residents on the Far South Side. No injuries have been reported.

The accident occurred about 12:20 a.m. near East 134th Street and the Indiana/Illinois border, where a vehicle in a wreck ruptured a gas main, according to South Chicago District police.

Chicago residents have been affected because the fumes are carrying over to the city. Residents have not been told to leave their homes, but police are responding to several calls from civilians saying they hear a “large roaring noise” -- apparently the sound of the pressurized gas escaping, according to police.

At 4:45 a.m., the gas provider Northern Indiana Public Service Company, is doing repairs after the accident they say happened at East 136th Street and Sheffield Avenue in Hammond, according to spokesman Mike Suggs, who said the company was notified about 1 a.m.

“We have crews on site. What happened was a vehicle ran off the road and hit a gas regulation station where the gas is supplied,” Suggs said.

The station has several pipes above ground, he said.

Suggs said they expect to have repairs done in a “couple of hours.” He said no buildings have been evacuated and no injuries were reported.

Other emergency crews, including the Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police, who are diverting traffic, remain on the scene.