A large gas line broke in Mira Mesa, forcing about 100 people to evacuate from several apartment buildings Tuesday, confirmed San Diego Fire-Rescue.
After construction crews punctured a high-pressure gas line, dozens were forced to leave their apartments as a precautionary measure, SDFD Battalion Chief John Fisher said.
“It is a large line that feeds a number of different apartment buildings," Fisher explained.
Around 10:25 a.m., the gas leak was reported just east of Maya Linda Road and west of Interstate 15, according to SDFD. Fire crews rushed to the scene and discovered that a 2-inch gas line was severed.
It happened when construction crews working to remodel the apartment complex cut the line, Fisher said. The driver of a small backhoe hit the gas line and caused the leak.
Fisher said the gas line was located directly between two apartment buildings. With minimal wind and shielding from the buildings, it was possible the gas could pool up in that area and ignite with a spark.
That could be very dangerous, Fisher warned.
Local
One resident, Nico Nuguid, said he was concerned there could have been a fire but later felt relieved.
"I feel good now because now I’m safe and all the people are here," Nuguid said.
The power was shut off to a number of surrounding buildings to prevent any sparks from igniting a flame, according to SDFD.
Some residents gathered outside the complexes still in their pajamas. Resident Gina Pino recounted the moment she was told to evacuate.
“I heard a knock on my door. It was the fireman, and he said we need you to evacuate," Pino said. "There’s a gas leak, so I grabbed my purse and my keys and as I was locking the door, the smell was intense.”
Residents living in the complex were allowed back in their homes on Maya Linda Road and Carroll Canyon after about two and a half hours.
