Gas leak causes evacuation
By: Crystal Whitman
Updated: July 3, 2012
In Bossier Parish-
A natural gas leak leads to evacuations in Bossier City this morning.
A four-inch gas pipe broke near Preston and Old Minden Road.
Emergency crews say a Payne construction company back-hoe hit the natural gas line, breaking it.
Homes and businesses sat empty, as people along old Minden road and Payne drive evacuated Monday morning because of a natural gas leak.
CenterPoint officials say in a situation like this, safety is a top priority.
Bossier city emergency officials say workers with the Payne Construction Company ruptured a 4 inch gas line while working on the bossier hotel and suite.
As a precaution 30 people were evacuated at the La Quinta Inn.
People living in two nearby apartments were taken to the Bossier City Civic Center.
Preston place resident Ashley Bratcher says most were calm during the evacuation.
"I was watching tv. I was in my pajamas watching tv when I heard a knock at the door. Their was a guy who said their was a gas leak," Bratcher said.
The gas leak was contained around eleven in the morning. Two hours after the leak began.
Officials didn't expect any hazardous situations but crews were on stand by just in case.
"We do have fire crews on the scene with fire hoses ready should their be any issues come up. But the situation is under control at this point," said Bossier City spokesperson, Mark Natale.
Louisiana State Police tell NBC 6 news, Payne contractors began digging before they were given clearance.
They were issued a citation.
