Gas Leak Causes Road Closures, Evacuations in Penitas
PENITAS – A gas leak in Penitas forced the evacuation of nearby homes and businesses, including a school.
A city employee stumbled upon the leak on Tom Gill Road around 7:45 a.m. on Thursday.
Officials said surrounding homes, businesses and the John F. Kennedy Elementary School were evacuated as a precaution. Tom Gill Road, between Marble and Volcano street, were also shut down.
Penitas city manager Omar Romero said the leak was caused by a blockage possible caused by dirt, which then caused a release valve to disperse gas.
"The release vale did its job and released gas into the air in order for there to not be a buildup or a break in the pipe. Once the release, the flow was leveled. Then they were able to shut down the release valve and secure the area," he said.
Texas Gas Service repaired the issue in two hours.
Everyone evacuated was allowed to return.
Officials said no other issues with the release valve are expected.