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AJC 2019 Photos of the year | John Spink
AJC 2019 Photos of the year | John Spink
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Heat waves leave a mirage effect over a burning gas line that ruptured after a police chase through Gwinnett County, Georgia outside of Atlanta that ended in a fiery crash early Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. The crash cut power along Grayson highway in Lawrenceville. Grayson Highway at Simonton Road was shut down for nearly six hours while authorities worked to get the fire under control. While power was restored by 6 a.m., the car was on fire until about 8:30 a.m., when utility crews shut off the gas that was feeding the flames. The road reopened shortly after, according to police. Officers started chasing the driver, who was wanted on unspecified charges, about 3:20 a.m., Lawrenceville police Lt. Jake Parker told AJC.com. The car left the roadway, crashed into a power pole and ruptured a gas main. âThe driver tried to bail on foot,â Parker said. âHe didnât make it very far and was apprehended.â He was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released. Parker said the manâs name and the charges against him were not immediately available. Gwinnett fire spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge said the threat of escaping gas vapors complicated firefighting efforts. At the height of the blaze, flames shot 30 to 40 feet into the air. âThe decision was made to allow the fire to burn until the gas company was able to stop the leak,â Rutledge said in an email. Lawrenceville Gas workers were having to dig in multiple locations to stop the leak, he said. While they were standing by, fire crews used a hose line to protect the gas company workers and prevent the fire from spreading. No one was evacuated, and no injuries were reported. While Grayson Highway was closed, drivers were being detoured onto Scenic Highway and Gwinnett Drive.
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