State of emergency continues in Wheatley

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Emergency officials remain on scene as of late Thursday in Wheatley as the result of a gas leak discovered in the downtown area Wednesday afternoon.

The leak of hydrogen sulphide forced the evacuation of 27 individuals living in the area and the closure of a number of businesses.

Electricity remained off in the area due to the presence of the toxic, explosive gas.

Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said the municipality contacted an expert who was on the way to determine the source of the leak and recommend remediation.

Chatham-Kent Fire Chief Chris Case said the gas is consistent with a leak coming from a well, however, that has not been determined.

He said hazmat officials from Windsor determined yesterday that the gas is of sufficient concentration to require that the area be evacuated.

Mayor Darrin Canniff declared a state of emergency Thursday that remains In effect.

The public is being asked to avoid the area.

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