OXNARD : 100 Evacuated After Break in Gas Line
A natural gas line broke Tuesday morning, causing authorities to evacuate about 100 people and shut down adjacent Oxnard streets and the Southern Pacific railroad tracks for about three hours.
A subcontractor working with the Gas Co. accidentally struck a four- to five-inch line at East 5th Street and Richmond Avenue while putting in a new gas line, Oxnard Fire Battalion Chief Terry McAnally said.
Although there was no explosion or fire, the release of flammable natural gas caused Oxnard firefighters to evacuate six nearby businesses and an animal hospital, and close off East 5th and Richmond for half a mile in each direction, McAnally said.
The precautionary closures lasted from about 9 a.m. until noon, he said.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
