Gas Line Accidentally Ruptured In East Austin Neighborhood

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Emergency crews descended on an East Austin neighborhood after a gas line was accidentally ruptured by a construction crew, officials said.

Firefighters, a hazardous materials (hazmat) crew and representatives from the Texas Gas Service utility worked quickly to stop the escaping gas flow near 905 Bedford St. near the Booker T. Washington Apartment just before 8 a.m., fire officials said. No injuries were reported, and no residents had to be evacuated as a result of the incident.

The incident marked the fourth accidental gas line break within a week's time in a city experiencing brisk construction as developers scramble to build housing for a growing influx of new residents moving into Austin. On Wednesday, Oct. 3, contractors inadvertently ruptured a gas line near MoPac and 45th Street. The day after that on Thursday, Oct. 4, eight residents were evacuated from their homes after contractors hit another gas line in southeast Austin. And on Friday, Oct. 5, a hazmat task force responded to 1801 Stamford Lane after a line was ruptured there. In that case, the gas line ignited before firefighters put out the flames.

Related story: Gas Line Break Sparks Fire At North Austin Construction Site

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