Wayland Baptist University evacuated its Plainview campus Wednesday morning after a gas leak was reported near the intersection of Seventh and Quincy streets, according to a university news release. The university sent a SafeZone Alert to students and employees at 9:22 a.m., and the campus was evacuated a short time later.
Students were taken to the Laney Center, which the university considers a safe distance away, as a precaution. Plainview Fire Chief Bobby Gipson said first responders were working to address the situation. Police and TxDOT workers were blocking streets around the campus. Gipson said a two-block area around the leak had been evacuated.
Reports indicate a 4-inch gas line was severed and leaking. Gipson said, "We are thankful the winds are in our favor today." He said the issue may take at least a couple of hours to resolve.