32 Homes Evacuated Amid Massive Gas Leak in West Whittier

WEST WHITTIER, CA, Sept. 14 (KNN) — At least 75 people were displaced following an overnight gas main break that sent a cloud of natural gas spewing from the ground.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department started receiving calls shortly after 1:00 a.m. Thursday morning regarding a smell of natural gas in the area.

Shortly before 1:30 a.m., SoCal Gas officials requested a large response from the fire department for a ruptured gas main.

It is unclear if the line was struck with construction equipment or how exactly the break transpired.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Pico Rivera deputies responded and were seen evacuating 32 homes in the area of the 7500 block of Vicki Drive, displacing approximately 75 residents.

Initial estimated repair time of the main was two hours and 30 minutes. Residents were evacuated to nearby Phelan Language Academy, located at 7150 Cully Avenue, until the leak was shut down.

It wasn’t until approximately 8 a.m. that residents were allowed back into their homes.

The cause of the gas leak is under investigation.

Nathan Holguin, Video Journalist / KNN