"Major gas leak" on Santa Monica Boulevard prompts hours-long closure for public
Authorities rushed to the scene of a "major gas leak" Monday afternoon in Santa Monica.
The gas leak occurred on the 200 block of Santa Monica Boulevard near the Third Street Promenade.
Crews from both the Santa Monica Fire and Police Departments were on the scene as professionals with Southern California Gas Company repaired the leak.
Businesses and residents in the area were evacuated.
As a result, the immediately surrounding area was closed for over four hours, with authorities asking people to avoid 2nd and 3rd Streets between Arizona Avenue and Broadway.
SoCal Gas issued an update on the situation, stating that the leak was caused by a "third-party crew working in the 1400 block on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica."
The crew reportedly ruptured a two-inch gas line almost five feet underground.
They also reminded locals that "a natural gas odor" will likely linger in the area "while crews continue to perform this work."
At 8:15 p.m., Santa Monica Fire Department disclosed that the ruptured gas main had been fixed and that gas was being restored to homes and businesses in the surrounding area.
CBS reporters on the scene noted that fumes could be seen escaping from the hole as crews worked. Hours after it was fixed the natural gas odor still remained, even with the evacuations lifted.
Santa Monica Fire Department tests on the air quality revealed that gas readings were minimal, even at the time of the rupture.
"When we arrive on scene our main concern is the life safety of personnel as well as citizens" said Santa Monica Fire Department Chief Danny Caldwell.
They immediately began to "monitor the area, and monitor inside businesses in adjacent buildings to make sure there was no gas."
He did note that despite no gas buildup present inside of the buildings, the issued evacuations to be safe.
SoCal Gas also disclosed that no services were interrupted as a result of the leak.
No illness from the leak or injuries were reported.
