Three PSE Workers Injured After Gas Leak Ignites In Seattle

SEATTLE, WA — Three Puget Sound Energy workers were hurt Friday morning after a gas leak ignited as they attempted to secure the line, according to Seattle Fire. Two workers were taken to the hospital early in the incident and a third was transported later. All three were in stable condition. Fire crews arrived on the 10300 block of Midvale Avenue North, near Licton Springs, shortly before 11 a.m.

Seattle Police closed roads in the area and fire crews cleared several buildings along three blocks south of North 103rd Street. Firefighters estimate a total of 20 people were evacuated from a small apartment building, a few townhouses and several homes in the area. Seattle Fire said allowing the gas to burn out was the safest way to end the hazard, but firefighters sprayed nearby vehicles and buildings to prevent flames from spreading. The leak was fully secured shortly before 12:30 p.m.

According to PSE, a third party contractor using an excavator hit a two-inch gas line, causing a rupture. While crews were responding, the gas ignited for an unknown reason. PSE says the contractor followed the rules and called 811, but it was not immediately clear if there was an issue with the gas line location markings or the contractor's following of the marks. The three injured workers have non-life threatening injuries and are being treated for burns.

Midvale Ave. N. Evacuation area shown in photo below. Crews continuing to protect nearby exposures from catching fire. Firefighters conducting air monitoring in immediate area. pic.twitter.com/OIKBYjkJt5
— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) October 11, 2019