Firefighters and PG
&
amp;E officials responded to a reported gas leak on New Avenue
north of Moreno Lane in Gilroy.
PG&E officials were able to shut off a leaking gas line in Gilroy Wednesday more than one hour after it was ruptured by residents digging irrigation ditches on their property, according to CalFire.
Firefighters and PG&E officials responded to a reported gas leak on New Avenue north of Moreno Lane after a half-inch natural gas pipe was ruptured at 1:45 p.m.
The gas line was shut off at 3:07 p.m., according to CalFire Capt. Sam Gonzales.
No injuries were reported.
Residents at the property’s house were evacuated. Neighbors directly south of the property refused to evacuate and Santa Clara County Sheriff’s deputies were called in to coax them out of their home.
PG&E requested the evacuation of the neighbor’s house because it was located almost in line with the broken gas pipe. Deputies could not reach the home because the entrance gate to the property was locked.
One deputy spoke through a speaker system warning the neighbors to leave.
“We’re going to have to cut off the lock on your gate,” he bellowed. “You are in danger.”
A PG&E crew located the shut off valve as firefighters were about to sever the lock with bolt cutters.
