Gas company worker dies at scene of leak

JAMES CITY, N.C. (AP) — Craven County Police are investigating
the death of a gas company worker at the scene of a leak near a
shopping center.

Police say Jenkins Gas employee Frank Birdsong was found dead
late Thursday morning after he was spotted lying on the ground near
a fast food restaurant in James City. Birdsong had been called to
the scene over reports of a gas leak.

Less than two hours later, another reported leak at the same
location briefly caused authorities to evacuate the area.

The Craven County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the
investigation. Officials aren’t sure yet whether the gas leak
caused Birdsong’s death.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)