Gas Leak Prompts Evacuations In Encinitas

ENCINITAS, CA – A gas leak prompted evacuations Tuesday morning in Encinitas.

The gas leak was reported at about 8:10 a.m. in the 800 block of Hymettus Avenue, SDG&E spokesman Joe Britton said.

Deputies evacuated homes on Hymettus Avenue as a precautionary measure due to the strong odor of natural gas and the possibility of fire, sheriff's officials said. Senior volunteers responded to the scene and provided traffic control in the area.

A third-party hit a natural gas line while doing excavation work, Britton said. Eight homes were without service.

"Our gas emergency response crews are on scene and working to safely control the gas," Britton said.

Roads were reopened and residents were allowed to return to their homes around 10:15 a.m., official said.

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