Downed power line, fire, gas leak prompt road closure, evacuations in Dubuque

Police said a power line that fell onto a vehicle in Dubuque created a fire so hot that it compromised an underground gas line, causing a leak that prompted local evacuations and closing a busy roadway for hours. Dubuque Police Department Lt. Luke Bock said authorities responded at approximately 11:45 a.m. Sunday to the 700 block of University Avenue. There were no reported injuries, but the high heat from the engulfed vehicle led to the compromising of a gas line below the surface. A local residence also sustained heat damage from the car fire. University was closed between Walnut Street and Wilson Avenue. Shortly after 8 PM residents were cleared to return home, but the road remained closed. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the downed power line.