Severed Gas Line Forces Evacuation
A car struck and ruptured a two-inch gas line at a Sylmar apartment complex Sunday night, causing a blaze that forced evacuation of the 175-unit building, authorities said.
The 7:15 p.m. fire caused an estimated $5,000 damage to the exterior of the building at 14040 Foothill Blvd., Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells said. There were no injuries.
Authorities said about 100 people were evacuated from the building.
The car’s driver and two passengers were traveling down an alley next to the building when the accident occurred. They escaped but the car was engulfed by the burning natural gas.
Firefighter Paul Gutierrez said flames reached up the side of the building for almost two hours but caused only minor damage.
Firefighters wet down the structure while waiting for Southern California Gas crews to shut off the gas, he said.
The driver, whom fire officials did not identify, was a resident of the building.
Authorities said no citations will be issued.
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