Published: May 06, 2009 10:24 am      

Gas leak contained near South Main

Galen Scott

gscott@weatherforddemocrat.com

Contract construction workers installing new water lines for the City of Weatherford struck a natural gas pipeline, causing the release of explosive gas Tuesday.

At approximately 3:15, shortly before the afternoon school traffic rush, a backhoe operator working for Wright Construction reportedly ruptured a short, two-inch stub protruding from a four-inch natural gas line.

The gas line is located near the southbound lane of South Main Street in front of Central Christian Church.

No injuries were reported.

Officials with Texas Gas Service, including Area Manager Wyatt Irby, arrived at the scene shortly after the break was reported. Technicians plugged the broken line and initiated repairs.

Traffic was interrupted along South Main Street for more than one hour.

A representative of Wright Construction said the gas line was not marked.

After the incident, City of Weatherford employees marked additional utility lines in the area.