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Gas-line strike on Monroe St. causes midday scramble

Mark Haslett

UPDATE, 1:20 p.m. - The line has been capped and people are now allowed back into the previously secured area.

Original article, with edits:

A gas line was struck and ruptured on Monroe St. in Commerce on July 21 at about 10:40 a.m. The incident occurred just across the street from the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus, near Hall of Languages and Binnion Hall. Work crews have been engaged on Monroe Street for months.

Around 11:15 a.m., municipal and university public safety officials ordered the immediate vicinity, including Binnion Hall and Hall of Languages, to be cleared of staff, students and visitors until the necessary repairs could be made. 

 Around 12:45 p.m., officials advised the public that the line had been capped and that business as usual could resume.

Mark Haslett served as KETR's News Director from February 2013 to June 2025. During his tenure the station's news operation enjoyed an increase in listener engagement and audience metrics, as well recognition in the Texas AP Broadcasters awards and a National Edward R. Murrow award.