A midway pit stop for gasoline on the Trans Labrador Highway ran out of fuel yesterday, leaving some people temporarily stranded.
Supplies are en route to Churchill Falls to replenish the tanks. Estimated time of arrival is 1:00 pm local time.
Labrador City was evacuated about a week-and-a-half ago because of a huge forest fire, but it is now under control and posing no immediate threat to the region.
Essential workers, such as those involved in health care, industry and food services, were allowed back on the weekend along with their families. The rest of the town could go back home as of noon today.
Perry Trimper
Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper says people in Churchill Falls pitched in to help those who needed gas.
He started hearing reports yesterday that people were running short of fuel in Churchill Falls but people with some extra in gas cans helped out and NL Hydro may have helped as well, so “we just wanted to get the word out that people should top up in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.”
There are long lineups of people at Strickland’s gas station for the bathrooms. Facilities are also available at the Town Centre on level 2 and 3, adjacent to the hotel. There are also bathrooms in the ACB building near the gas station, though the Town Centre is preferred.
Earlier Story:
The move back to Labrador City following the evacuation has hit a snag, but help is on the way.
Essential workers were allowed to return beginning yesterday, while the rest of the town could move back in as of noon today local time. Many evacuees have been staying in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which is a six-hour drive from Lab West.
The only place to gas up on the way is Churchill Falls, but the only filling station in town is dry.
Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper took to social media to let evacuees travelling back to Lab City know that Strickland’s Auto & Gas Ultramar in Churchill falls is scheduled to have gas available around 11 a.m.
Until then, the RNC, who are involved in the checkpoints set up along the TLH, are urging people to fill up in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and not to depend on topping up in Churchill Falls for the time being.
📢 Currently no gas available in Churchill Falls for motorists travelling on the Trans-Labrador Hwy, returning to Lab City / Wabush. Ensure tanks are full before departing Goose Bay or await an update on gas avail. in Churchill Falls.
Thank you for your cooperation. #nltraffic pic.twitter.com/NlJhtiN3s8— Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (@RNC_PoliceNL) July 22, 2024
