Gas Leak Evacuates John Boos Plant

A gas leak evacuated the John Boos plant on east Fayette avenue Tuesday morning, and left a heavy gas odor for much of the area surrounding the plant.

Effingham Fire Chief Joe Holomy told us at the scene that a forklift struck an overhead gas line after making a sharp turn inside the factory, rupturing the line and letting gas flow freely inside the plant.

John Boos employees were immediately evacuated, and fire crews worked with Ameren to shut gas service off to the plant. Ameren employees will remain on scene as repairs to the gas line are made, and will restore service to the plant once they're finished.

There were no injuries in the incident.