Potential gas leak at the university center momentarily delays dining

by JOSEPHINE JOHNSON

News Editor

On Friday, Nov. 12, an investigation into a possible gas leak began around 7 p.m. at the University Center. The gas was turned off that evening and the situation was resolved the next morning. 

“I was made aware on Friday at 7:30 p.m. that they were investigating a potential gas leak that would potentially impact the morning food service,” said CJ Porter, the UMW Dining Services liaison and meal plan manager. “I worked with University Relations to send a communication out to students so they would be aware. Rose Benedict was also sending out messages via all University Dining channels. Gas was turned off at that time.”

All students received an email from Anna Billingsley, associate vice president for University Relations and director of communications, informing them of the situation that night.

The email read, “Due to equipment problems, gas has been shut off in the University Center. This will affect breakfast/brunch tomorrow in that stoves cannot be utilized.”

Facilities isolated the affected gas line that evening.

By 10:40 a.m. the next morning, the food service on the fourth floor of the University Center was once again functioning as normal. 

“I know Facilities and the gas contractor worked until early in the morning investigating the issue,” said Porter. “Gas was not turned back on until approximately 8 a.m. and further investigation was done. By 10 a.m. the gas company indicated it was safe to proceed and the gas was turned back on in the kitchen.”

UMW Dining was kept informed about when the gas lines supplying cooking equipment were cut down as well as when they were turned on again.

The event caused a block on College Avenue as the local fire department was dispatched, confusing some drivers but was resolved shortly. 

Senior English major in the five-year education program Bernadette D’Auria noticed the street was blocked on her way home.

“When I was walking back from work I saw all of the fire trucks and police cars. I thought it was pretty odd, but also kinda standard for a Friday evening,” she said. “An hour later I’m waiting for my friend to pick me up so we can have an alternative fall formal in her room and she ends up getting there 10 minutes later than we planned on and she told me it was because there was a blockage on college avenue.”

Fall Formal took place in the University Center Ballroom that same night. Sophomore English and religious studies major Tabitha Robinson was one of the students who attended.

“I remember when we walked in around 8 p.m. one of my friends said ‘it smells kind of funny in here,’ but that’s it,” she said. “Then later I got a text from UMW Foodies saying there was a gas leak.”

Other than a smell noticed by some students, Fall Formal seemed to continue as usual.

“All we know is some time in the evening of Friday, November 12, there was a report of a gas smell in University Suite 200,” said Nolan Akau, the director of Facilities Maintenance Services. “We do not know if it affected the Fall Formal.”