Both directions of MLK Jr. Way S. reopened after natural gas leak
Apr 21, 2026, 3:06 PM | Updated: 3:59 pm
A photo of Seattle Fire Department crews at the scene of the natural gas leak on MLK Jr. Way S. in Seattle. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Department of Transportation)
(Photo courtesy of the Seattle Department of Transportation)
All northbound and southbound lanes on MLK Jr. Way S. were blocked on Tuesday afternoon after a natural gas leak in the area.
Both directions of MLK Jr Way S. between S. Dawson Street and S. Hudson Street were reopened just after 3:40 p.m., the Seattle Department of Transportation announced.
Around the same time, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) confirmed that Puget Sound Energy had secured the natural gas leak. No injuries were reported, and the SFD response was reduced.
Natural gas leak shut down north, southbound lanes of MLK Jr. Way S. in Seattle
At approximately 2:45 p.m., Seattle Fire Department (SFD) crews responded to reports of a natural gas leak in the 5000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., SFD announced.
UPDATE: The NB and SB lanes on MLK Jr Way S between S Dawson St and S Hudson St are now blocked. Use alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/DU4uiXzPIB
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) April 21, 2026
After SFD crews arrived, it was confirmed that there was an exterior natural gas leak near a building under construction.
The impacted buildings are being evacuated out of an abundance of caution.
5000 block of Martin Luther King Jr Way S: Crews on scene confirm an exterior natural gas leak near a building under construction. They are evacuating impacted buildings as a safety precaution.
— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) April 21, 2026
SFD advised travelers to avoid the area entirely, while the Seattle Department of Transportation urged travelers to seek alternate routes.
There is currently no estimated time for the roadway to reopen.
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