San Jose Gas Leak Forces Evacuations, School Closure
SAN JOSE (BCN) - A gas leak in San Jose that prompted the evacuation of homes and an elementary school Thursday morning has been stopped, a fire spokesman said.
The leak was reported at about 9:25 a.m. in the 700 block of Willis Ave., fire Capt. Chuck Rangel said. He said a police officer smelled gas and reported it to the fire department.
PG&E crews found that a 2-inch underground gas pipe was leaking and shut it off at about 11:45 a.m., Rangel said.
About 15 homes in the area had been evacuated as a precaution, Rangel said. He said residents would be able to return once firefighters determine there are no pockets of gas remaining.
The leak also prompted the closure of nearby Gardner Academy, an elementary school at 502 Illinois Ave.
Karen Fuqua, spokeswoman for the San Jose Unified School District, said parents were advised to come pick up their children.
She said the children are "perfectly safe" and that school staff would remain with them until their parents arrive.
Parents should use the Bird Avenue and Virginia Street entrance, Fuqua said.
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