News Summary
A gas leak on Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley, Charleston led to the temporary closure of eastbound lanes. The leak caused significant traffic disruptions, with alternate routes in place for drivers. Dominion Energy crews responded swiftly to secure the area, reopening the road within a few hours, though caution is still advised. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident, emphasizing the importance of safety measures during excavation work.
Gas Leak Leads to Temporary Closure of Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley, Charleston
A gas leak was reported on Bees Ferry Road in the West Ashley area of Charleston on June 17, 2025, prompting the temporary closure of the eastbound lanes of the road. The leak occurred near the intersection with Savannah Highway, leading to significant traffic disruptions as drivers were diverted to alternate routes.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office communicated the road closure via social media, informing residents and commuters of the situation. Safety measures were implemented immediately to protect the public from any potential hazards associated with the gas leak.
According to reports, the leak was caused by a third-party contractor who accidentally damaged a natural gas line while conducting excavation work in the vicinity. Dominion Energy crews were dispatched to the scene around 2:30 p.m. to assess and remedy the situation.
The incident was effectively managed, with Dominion Energy securing the natural gas line by approximately 4:30 p.m.. Following the successful containment of the leak, Bees Ferry Road was reopened to traffic around 4:50 p.m.. The entire response took roughly two-and-a-half hours from the initial report of the leak.
While the road has been reopened, officials advised drivers to exercise caution in the area as they continue to monitor the situation. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the gas leak; however, the specific cause remains unclear at this time.
Impact on Local Traffic and Community
The closure of Bees Ferry Road had a noticeable impact on local traffic patterns during the duration of the incident. Commuters were diverted to alternate routes, leading to increased congestion in surrounding areas. Local businesses in the vicinity were also affected as the road closure limited access for customers, creating challenges for residents and service providers alike.
As with similar incidents, public safety remains the top priority of local law enforcement and utility companies. The prompt response from Dominion Energy’s crews is indicative of the importance placed on swift action in emergencies involving utility services.
Background on Gas Line Incidents
Gas leaks pose serious safety risks, as they can lead to explosive situations if not addressed immediately. Utilities often have protocols in place to manage leaks quickly and efficiently, including evacuating the area, alerting the public, and employing skilled technicians to repair damages. The use of heavy machinery during construction and excavation work has been known to cause such incidents, emphasizing the need for caution and adherence to safety guidelines by contractors.
This incident underscores the need for comprehensive safety measures and effective communication protocols among contractors, utility companies, and local authorities to prevent and manage emergencies effectively. As construction activities continue to increase in urban areas like Charleston, the importance of such measures becomes even more critical to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.
The Charleston community, alongside local authorities and utility companies, will continue to address and monitor utility safety as a priority to prevent future incidents. The cooperation of residents in exercising caution and being observant in their neighborhoods will also play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- ABC News 4
- Count On 2 News
- WTG9 News
- WCHS TV
- Wikipedia: Gas Leak
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Gas
- Google Search: Gases and Explosions
- Google Scholar: Gas Leak Safety
- Google News: Gas Leak Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
