Gas leak near North Market causes evacuation

Hundreds evacuated as crews work to repair the leak

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:11pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey and blue, with a dense fog obscuring the details of a distant city skyline and a towering plume of smoke rising in the background, conveying a sense of unseen danger and the overwhelming scale of the natural world.A hazy, atmospheric landscape painting captures the unseen threat of a gas leak disrupting a bustling urban center.Columbus Today

The Columbus Division of Fire responded to a gas leak on the intersection of Park and Vine streets near the North Market, evacuating between 800 to 1,000 people from the market and nearby businesses as well as a construction crew working in the area. The leak was contained about an hour later, but the North Market remains closed for the day as crews work to repair the leak.

Why it matters

Gas leaks can pose serious safety risks, leading to evacuations and disruptions in busy commercial areas like the North Market. Ensuring prompt response and containment of such leaks is crucial for protecting public safety and minimizing economic impacts on local businesses.

The details

According to Lt. Nick Davis of the Columbus Division of Fire, the gas leak was reported around 1 p.m. near the North Market. Firefighters evacuated between 800 to 1,000 people from the market, nearby businesses, and a construction crew working in the area. The leak was contained about an hour later, but the North Market remains closed for the day as Columbia Gas and AEP Ohio work to repair the leak. The cause of the leak is still unknown, and no injuries or illnesses were reported.

  • The gas leak was reported around 1 p.m. on April 9, 2026.
  • The leak was contained about an hour later.

The players

Columbus Division of Fire

The local fire department that responded to the gas leak and oversaw the evacuation of the area.

Lt. Nick Davis

A firefighter with the Columbus Division of Fire who provided details about the incident.

Columbia Gas

The utility company working to repair the gas leak.

AEP Ohio

The electric utility company also working to repair the gas leak.

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What they’re saying

“We are unsure what caused the leak.”

— Lt. Nick Davis, Firefighter, Columbus Division of Fire

What’s next

The area of Park Street will remain closed for the next few hours until the gas leak is fully repaired by Columbia Gas and AEP Ohio.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of prompt emergency response and coordination between utility companies and local authorities to quickly contain gas leaks and ensure public safety in busy commercial districts.