Gas leak in Crockett leads to evacuation

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT – Crockett city officials responded quickly to a gas leak near downtown on Friday, Oct. 11, asking residents of nearly two dozen homes to evacuate the area while the leak was repaired.

The leak was first reported just before 11:30 a.m. after a contractor noticed they had hit a gas line. The Crockett Fire Department (CFD) quickly cordoned off an area, including near Fourth, Fifth and Six Streets, and released the following statement:

“A gas leak has occurred near South Fifth Street and Bonham Avenue due to a contractor encountering a large gas line while replacing water lines. Emergency responders and public works officials are actively monitoring the surrounding area of ​​the affected area and testing both air and sewer lines for gas to ensure public safety.

At this time, residents in the immediate area have been evacuated and we advise residents to stay with family or friends outside the affected area. For those requiring alternative accommodation, the community center has been set up as temporary accommodation.

Ongoing security monitoring and evacuation information:

• Emergency response teams will notify any additional residents requiring evacuation based on ongoing air and sewer inspections.
• If you return home and smell gas in your home, please leave the area and call 911 immediately.”

CFD Fire Marshall and Assistant City Manager Lee Standley told The Messenger later in the afternoon that the area was still closed and residents were asked to remain patient as the issue required a specialized crew from Center Point Energy in Houston to resolve.

“Center Point was waiting for crews because it was a six-inch pipe and they needed a crew from Houston to get it repaired,” Standley said.

Crews arrived on scene and were able to allow residents to return to their homes later that evening.

Sources confirmed that the cause of the leak was unknown as the seller had carefully tried to locate gas pipes before starting the project. Standley said there will be an investigation, although the city’s top priority is to resolve the issue and get residents home safely and as quickly as possible.

Returning residents have been asked to check for gasoline in and around their homes upon their return. However, CFD promised to do its best to check the area for gasoline before allowing anyone to return to the area.

No injuries or damage were reported.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]