A gas line was billowing fumes at an Otay Mesa shopping center Tuesday morning.
San Diego Fire-Rescue crews responded to the leak reported at about 9:20 a.m. near the Home Depot on Dennery Road, just northeast of the Interstate 805/I-905 junction.
Construction crews working on an in-development Jack-in-the-Box within the shopping center struck a 3-inch natural gas line, according to a SDFD chief at the scene.
An SDFD spokesperson previously said the gas leak forced people at The Home Depot to evacuate, but a firefighter on scene said that gas level testing confirmed it was safe enough for people to remain.
Instead, both The Home Depot and a neighboring apartment were ordered to shelter-in-place.
The line was reported to be broken and blowing for about an hour and a half before crews were able to control the leak shortly before 11 a.m. The shopping center was then reopened.
Manny Lopez was trying to get to The Home Depot when he was told he would need to turn around.
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"I could hear the hissing, you know," said Manny Lopez. "I mean I don't even know why you guys are out here. You should be staying clear from here."
Before the leak was contained, San Diego police closed Dennery Road from Ocean View Hills Parkway to nearly Del Sol Boulevard.
Chula Vista and National City first responders were also called to the scene.
This is a developing story. Details may change as information is released.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story misidentified the neighborhood as Otay Ranch. The Home Depot is in Otay Mesa.
