A gas line broke Thursday while a San Diego Gas and Electric crew was doing routine maintenance on the line, a spokesperson for the utility said.
The leak was discovered around 10 a.m. in the 2400 block of Auto Parkway and Citracado Parkway near Palomar Medical Center Escondido, Escondido Fire Department spokesman Jeff Murdock said.
It was unknown if crews damaged the line while working, causing the leak, SDG&E spokesman Wes Jones said.
Crews were able to stop the leak within 40 minutes, he said.
Traffic was rerouted around the area while gas was actively flowing from the break and traffic to Palomar Medical Center Escondido was rerouted, Escondido police Sgt. Mike Graesser said.
Three nearby businesses along Auto Parkway were evacuated because of the leak, Jones said.
