McKENZIE (February 10) — Businesses were evacuated surrounding the McKenzie Antique Mall on Wednesday, February 10 around 10 a.m. The business managers walked into the mall and smelled the aroma associated with natural gas. The situation caused area businesses to be evacuated in case of an ignition of the gas.

West Tennessee Public Utilities, McKenzie Police Department and McKenzie Fire Department all responded to the scene at 14890 Highland Drive, McKenzie.

The adjacent Carroll Bank and Trust, Walgreens, Overflow Church, Melton’s Auto Service and residents behind the mall were evacuated.

West Tennessee Public Utilities evaluated the situation. WTPU manager Cliff Dillahunty said his crews opened the doors of the mall to allow the natural gas to escape. The crews terminated gas service to the building and stood by at a safe distance until they determined the fumes had subsided and then entered the building.

The Fire Department was responsible for evacuating the area and establishing a safe zone.

Fire units remained on scene until the utility workers decided that the building was safe to enter. Total time on scene was approximately 3 hours.

Area businesses were allowed to reopen while the Mall remained closed, subject to needed internal gas line repairs.

McKenzie Antique Mall reopened Saturday, February 13.