Antioch gas leak delays apartment reentry as crews dig new trench

Residents of Crest Burkitt Ridge Apartments in Antioch will remain out of their units for at least two more days. The Nashville Fire Department announced on Wednesday that additional mitigation work is required before the complex can be cleared for reentry. Firefighters are currently coordinating with the construction contractor and property developer to excavate a ventilation trench at the nearby construction site.

The evacuation began early Saturday morning when crews detected high levels of methane and carbon monoxide inside the buildings. NFD determined the gases originated from a construction site adjacent to the apartments. Investigators believe a pocket of methane underground was disturbed by digging or blasting activity. This disturbance allowed natural gas to flow toward the residential structures.

Gas concentrations have decreased since the initial weekend detection, according to the department's Wednesday update. However, the fire department cautioned that lower levels do not automatically mean the buildings are safe. The department stated that evacuation directives will be reevaluated after the mitigation work is complete and subsequent monitoring confirms safety. NFD noted that finishing the trenching process alone does not guarantee immediate clearance for residents to return.

The excavation of the ventilation trench is designed to create a controlled pathway for subsurface gases. This process aims to vent the gases and reduce the potential for them to migrate toward nearby homes. The next phase of operations could begin as early as Wednesday afternoon, pending final coordination and approvals. Work is expected to continue into Thursday.

The Nashville Fire Department will monitor atmospheric conditions during the excavation. Crews will check the effectiveness of the trench as they dig. Residents should expect to stay in temporary housing or with family and friends until NFD issues a new directive. The department is working directly with the construction contractor and the property developer to manage the timeline.

The incident has disrupted life for tenants at Crest Burkitt Ridge Apartments since Saturday. The fire department continues to lead the response effort in the Davidson County community. The focus remains on ensuring the subsurface gases are properly vented before anyone reenters the buildings. Officials will provide updates as the trenching operations progress.