Gas Line Ruptures In Lafayette

A contractor or construction crew digging in Lafayette struck a half-inch gas line and prompted a shelter in place order this morning, according to a PG&E spokeswoman.

PG&E crews first responded around 9:40 a.m. to a report of a third-party construction crew or contractor who had struck a gas line with a backhoe in the area of St. Mary’s Road and Woodview Drive, PG&E spokeswoman Tamar Sarkissian said.

Sarkissian said a gas-service representative was on scene within 30 minutes and PG&E crews were able to stop the flow of gas around 11 a.m.

PG&E crews also arrived to repair the gas leak, which is impacting one customer, she said.

As of around noon, Sarkissian said she did not know when the repairs would be complete. A shelter in place order was issued for residents in the area, but a dispatcher for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said it didn’t appear that evacuations were necessary.

Sarkissian said PG&E officials would like to remind residents that it’s important to call 811 before doing any kind of digging job, “no matter how large or small.”

“It’s required for contractors and construction workers but we strongly encourage homeowners to call before doing any kind of digging project, including planting a rosebush or putting in a mailbox,” Sarkissian said.

The service is free of charge.

--Bay City News