Six commercial addresses were evacuated Wednesday afternoon when a construction crew ruptured an unmarked 2-inch gas line in San Jose, authorities said.
The incident was first reported at 12:46 p.m. in the 1800 block of Alum Rock Avenue, according to fire dispatchers.
The leak was stopped at 2:08 p.m. and the next steps for the utility crews on scene will be to assess the damage and start making repairs, PG&E spokeswoman Monica Tell said.
According to San Jose Fire Capt. Christopher Salcido, a hazardous materials team was also called out to assess the risk of an explosion, but crews are clearing the scene since the flow of gas has been stopped.
The occupants of the commercial structures that were evacuated due to the gas leak should be able to return to their businesses by 3:20 p.m., Salcido said.
Alum Rock Avenue has been blocked off between King Road and McCreery Avenue and will remain closed temporarily due to construction.
Tell said the leak serves as a reminder of the importance of calling 811 before digging or excavating to avoid similar emergencies.
