MLGW suspects truck leak in gas scare

MEMPHIS — Mid-South residents began lighting up the emergency line at Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) on Friday about a gas-like odor in their areas.

The utility released a statement reassuring Shelby County residents that no gas leaks were found at any of MLGW’s gas gate stations or anywhere else in the system.

Technicians noted that the odor is likely mercaptan, the additive that gives natural gas its smell for safety reasons. (Odorants like mercaptan make it easier to detect when natural gas, which is naturally odorless, is leaking.)

Given the pathway of the odor reports last Friday, MLGW suspects that a tanker carrying mercaptan may have leaked as it passed through the area. Surrounding counties have also received reports of an odor.

If a gas leak is suspected inside the home, customers should call (901) 528-4465 to report it and are urged to vacate until MLGW can inspect the home.

If a gas leak is suspected outside the home, then customers do not have to leave their residence until MLGW arrives.