Hundreds stranded as gas leak halts O.C. Metrolink service

More than 700 train passengers were stranded this morning after workers cut into a natural gas line near the Metrolink tracks in Irvine, leaving trains on the central commuter rail line through Orange County at a standstill, officials said.

The closure, between the Irvine and Tustin stations, occurred after a leak was reported about 8 a.m. Contractors for the city of Irvine were building an underpass at Jeffrey Road, near the Tustin station.

Fire Department officials closed the tracks about 8:15 a.m. after confirming the presence of natural gas, she said.

Service could be restored by noon, Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell said.

Passengers from the three northbound trains were being bused to different stations around the closed section of tracks, Tyrrell said. Most of the morning train traffic heads north, Tyrrell said.

No trains will be allowed to pass through the closed area until fire officials determine the leak is contained, she said.

The Orange County line, a heavily traveled commuter rail line, runs from Oceanside to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.

 tony.barboza@latimes.com