Gas Leak at Novato Taco Bell Sickens Three

A gas leak at a Taco Bell restaurant in Novato sent three people to a hospital Tuesday morning, a Novato Fire Protection District spokeswoman said.

The patients complained of a headache and scratchy voice, fire spokeswoman Sandy Wargo said.

A customer in the restaurant at 930 Seventh St. informed the manager of a gas smell around 10:20 a.m., Wargo said. Firefighters responded, shut down the gas and electric power and called PG&E.

Firefighters opened all of the windows in the restaurant and ventilated the interior with fans, Wargo said.

A PG&E employee discovered a gas valve in the heating and air conditioning system in the restaurant was stuck in the open position, allowing the gas to get inside the dining area, according to Wargo.