Gas Main Break Prompts Mandatory Evacuations In Richmond Neighborhood

RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- Mandatory evacuations were ordered following a gas main break in a Richmond residential neighborhood Thursday afternoon, according to fire officials.

The gas main was ruptured around 12:50 p.m. at South 8th St. and Virginia Ave. in the city's Santa Fe neighborhood.

The Richmond Fire Department said evacuations were ordered within one block of the gas main break. People beyond one block were urged to shelter in place.

A construction crew contracted by Pacific Gas and Electric hit the two-inch gas line near the intersection, according to the utility.

PG&E crews arrived shortly after to stop the gas flow and evacuations were lifted just before 1:45 p.m.

There were no injuries reported.