Fire Crews Evacuate Buildings In Hollywood Due To Natural Gas Leak
HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Fire officials evacuated several buildings in Hollywood due to a natural gas leak on Saturday.
A ruptured gas line was reported in the 1700 block of North Cahuenga Boulevard around 11:30 a.m., according to a LAFD spokesperson.
A preliminary investigation revealed a six-inch gas line was damaged by a third-party crew working for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Firefighters evacuated more than 100 people and 10 pets from six nearby buildings.
"We had five security guards in our dorm room, and there's only one normally," evacuee Grant Eatman said. "So they were banging on our door, and rushed out, said 'gas leak, building is going to explode'. So we came out here and they rushed us out into a block, about two blocks down from the building."
Neighbors reported that so much gas was rushing from the ruptured pipe, that at one point, a hissing noise could be heard.
"I'm still in my nightgown," evacuee Gina Ruiez said. "I mean not being able to go to the bathroom and just being stuck on the street; it's terrible."
The affected area included Franklin Avenue to the north, Ivar Avenue to the east, Wilcox Avenue to the west and Hollywood Boulevard to the south.
The Southern California Gas Company initially estimated it would be approximately four hours until the situation was resolved, however, the issue remained unsettled by 10:30 p.m.
An evacuation center was opened about 10 blocks from the scene, where the Red Cross provided residents with food, water and shelter.
