ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Georgia Capitol building was evacuated after a gas leak in downtown Atlanta Wednesday morning.

Piedmont Avenue is currently closed near MLK Jr. Drive as emergency officials investigate and take air quality measurements, the Atlanta Fire Department said.

The rupture at 201 Piedmont Ave SE occurred when a contractor accidentally struck a 6-inch gas line while digging in the area, according to Atlanta Gas Light officials.

Atlanta fire officials said the leak “poses an explosion hazard.”

Crews responded to the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive around 9 a.m. Air readings near Decatur Street triggered the evacuation, according to Anaré Holmes, public information officer.

An Atlanta News First crew was in the area and began smelling gas around 9 a.m. before seeing several fire trucks rushing to the area. They also saw people being removed from the Georgia Capitol around 10:15 a.m.

“People passing by started smelling a strange odor that smelled like gas, and I think that’s what prompted one of the 911 callers to call us,” Holmes said.

The James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building, which houses several other government offices, could also be evacuated.

“For the most part, we’re not getting anything that indicates this is an extremely dangerous situation,” Holmes said. “But the levels that were on that section of (Decatur Street) were concerning and required evacuation.”

As of 12:30 p.m., the Capitol was still closed, but the “Sloppy” Floyd building was still open.

Due to road closures, authorities are asking people to avoid the area.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for more.

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