In Costa Mesa, CA, a 4-inch diameter gas line was punctured during road improvement construction work in the vicinity of a new shopping center.
Southern California gas company officials said that the accident was caused by an auger, which struck the plastic main close to the intersection, resulting in a gas leak.
The gas company officials said that the contractor did not obtain the right permit for construction in that area. Over 35 people were evacuated from the area.
There was a low income housing neighborhood located close to the construction site and firefighters assisted the evacuation of 10 residents from their homes.
The gas company had to dig down to the line on both sides of the road in order to isolate the damaged pipe section.
The ventilation systems in the area were monitored by the county hazardous materials team to make sure that the level of gas in the air did not reach an unsafe level in surrounding buildings.
Cause: Punctured via auger
Damage: None
Injuries: None
Keywords: Adequate response (damage limited to initial event); Auger; Natural gas lines; Area evacuated (homes, buildings, etc.)