A minivan plowed into the side of a San Rafael elementary school this evening, causing a gas leak and shutting down the school Friday, officials said.
The van hit the side of Laurel Dell Elementary School at 225 Woodland Ave. right at the PG&E service connections for gas and electric at 5:47 p.m., San Rafael Fire Chief Chris Gray said.
The collision caused the gas line to rupture and knocked out electricity in the building. Two people in the van suffered minor injuries, Gray said.
But, given the leaking gas and damaged electric equipment, Gray said that firefighters managed to avert what could have been a much larger catastrophe.
A holiday concert was planned at the school Thursday night, and firefighters helped students move props to a nearby church so that the show could go on.
School is scheduled to resume Monday.
