EL CAJON : Leaking Gas Main Forces Evacuations
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A construction crew struck a gas main, causing a leak that forced the evacuation of more than 150 residents and about 30 businesses for 90 minutes Friday, police said.
The accident occurred about 8 a.m. when a CW McGrath Construction Co. crew hit a 10-inch San Diego Gas & Electric natural gas main, El Cajon Police Lt. Bob Lein said. The rupture caused toxic and flammable gas fumes to spread over a mile area around the Magnolia Avenue site.
“The biggest danger was of an explosion,” Lein said.
All businesses in the area were evacuated as were residents of homes and apartments on the east side of California 67, a mile-long portion of which was closed.
The freeway reopened and people were allowed to return to their homes about 10 a.m., after SDG&E; crews capped the leak.
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