Bethany Smith, Arts & Sciences senior, was awoken by an alarm and multiple CU Alerts to evacuate her Opus apartment Wednesday at 8:23 a.m. While working on construction for the Ryan Athletics Center and D.J. Sokol Arena at 20th and Burt Streets, an 8-inch gas main was hit. This is the second time this year a gas leak has caused an evacuation.

“I was in my PJ’s still,” Smith said. “I had to see if I had everything for class. Last time it took several hours to get back in.”

Rick McAuliffe, director of Public Safety, said this incident was “too similar” to the last one. “Those things do happen,” he said. “It will be nice when they complete that project.”

Lennis Pederson, director of Facilities Management, said precautions were taken against the leak.

“It is never ‘normal’ to break a gas line.” Pederson said.

“The precautionary steps to avoid damaging a utility line were in place but an accident happened anyway.”

Pederson said the Omaha Fire Department, Public Safety and the Metropolitan Utilities District were all called to evaluate the situation.

McAuliffe said there was little risk, but Public Safety sent out a CUALERT to be on the safe side, ordering the evacuation of Opus and Davis halls and the Pittman and Murphy buildings.

“We appreciate it when everyone evacuates and stays out of the area,” McAuliffe said. “I would really encourage everyone to sign up for the CUALERT.”