Gas Leak At Construction Site Forces Oakland Home Evacuations
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - Some 50 people were evacuated from homes and businesses in Oakland Monday afternoon as PG&E crews respond to a gas leak.
The gas leak started at 2:15 p.m. near the intersection of 32nd and Linden streets when a PG&E contractor damaged a 4-inch plastic distribution line while excavating in the area, spokesman Brian Swanson said.
The excavation work was being done to prepare for upcoming hydrostatic pressure tests, which will use water to test for weaknesses along the steel transmission lines, Swanson said.
Residents were unable to return to their homes and the intersection remained closed to traffic as of 5 p.m.
Crews stopped the leak around 5:20 p.m. and residents will be allowed to return to their homes after gas service representatives test the surrounding structures for safety.
Gas service in the immediate area will be shut off as crews repair the line, and 14 customers will be temporarily without service, Swanson said.
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