September 26, 2012

Construction crew hits gas line in Vancouver

RICHARD GILBERT

staff writer

Fortis BC has stopped a major gas leak in Vancouver, B.C., after a construction crew hit a mainline and forced the evacuation of several buildings.

The residents were given the okay to return to their homes at about 3 p.m. on Sept. 20.

“A construction crew ruptured a main gas line at about 9 a.m. this morning near West 7th Avenue and Cambie Street,” said Vancouver Fire Department spokesman Gabe Roder.

“We were called in to assess the situation and decided to evacuate 10 buildings in the area.”

The construction crew hit the line in an alley behind 7th Avenue on the morning of Sept. 20.

It was reported to Fortis BC and the Vancouver Fire Department.

Three people were taken to Vancouver General Hospital, but their condition isn’t known.

A police barricade was set up at Ash Street, west of Cambie, between 6th and 8th avenues, to stop traffic from entering the area.

Crews were on the scene for several hours attempting to stop the leak and dealing with the situation.

“Once the gas line is shut down, fire crews will then test the air quality for residual natural gas in each evacuated building prior to allowing anyone back into their premises,” said Roder.

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