Crews respond to Hammond gas leak, fire

HAMMOND, Ind. -- No serious injuries are reported from a natural gas leak and fire in the Hessville neighborhood of Hammond.

Police Chief Brian Miller says a power line fell from a pole Wednesday morning and ignited a gas main beneath 164th Place and Kennedy Avenue. Several residents reportedly were without power, and homes and businesses on the west side of Kennedy Avenue were evacuated after authorities detected natural gas seeping into sewers.

Miller says a Hammond police officer suffered minor injuries when he first arrived at the scene and was taken to St. Margaret Mercy Hospital for treatment.

Crews from Northern Indiana Public Service Co. also were sent to the scene.