Buildings Evacuated In Downtown Dallas After Gas Leak

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A natural gas leak forced evacuations and street shutdowns Monday around a large section on the northeast corner of Downtown Dallas.

"They did pick up a high reading for natural gas in the area, and with gas being lighter than air...  and having kind of a breeze in the air," said Dallas Fire-Rescue's Jason Evans, "we just wanted to make sure that we followed all necessary precautions and evacuated some of the surrounding buildings."

According to Atmos Energy, a contractor doing work unrelated to Atmos Energy damaged a 6" natural gas line near Pearl Street.

Workers were digging a hole for a parking garage when they struck the line interrupting work and traffic for hundreds of people.

Dallas-Fire Rescue said six buildings were evacuated.

One person who was overcome by fumes was treated by medics.

Police secured the area while Atmos Energy technicians stopped the flow of gas shortly before 1 p.m.

Evacuations were lifted and streets re-opened.

Super-Jason Evans/Dallas Fire-Rescue

18:18 they did pick up a high reading for natural gas in the area and with gas being lighter than air and waited floating up and they're being kind of a breeze in the air we just want to make sure that we followed all necessary precautions and evacuated some of the surrounding buildings

Live on cam

Police and fire cleared the roads and opened up the area to traffic just before two.
That's after Atmos Energy crews were able to shut off the gas line.
But they are still out here doing repair work.
Live in Dallas, J.D. Miles CBS 11 News.