Gas leak causes Hercules neighborhood evacuation

A Hercules neighborhood is being evacuated due to a gas leak this morning, Contra Costa County emergency officials said.

An evacuation was ordered at 9:51 a.m. between North and South Front streets.

The gas leak is in the area of San Pablo and Sycamore avenues, county officials said.

PG&E spokeswoman Tamar Sarkissian said the utility was first alerted to the gas leak at 8:34 a.m.

A third-party contractor was digging in the area and struck a line.

PG&E crews are on scene and expect to have the flow of gas stopped by 11 a.m., Sarkissian said.

Evacuees are being sent to Duck Pond Park on Sycamore Avenue.

Anyone evacuating is instructed not to use their car to avoid ignition sources, county officials said.

Anyone physically unable to leave their home has been instructed to call 911.