SJ gas leak capped, most evacuations lifted

Utility crews have capped a gas leak in San Jose that caused evacuations of several city blocks Tuesday, a fire captain said.

The leak was reported at about 10:45 a.m. and involved a 6-inch gas line struck by a construction crew in the area of Park Avenue and Race Street, San Jose Fire Capt. Mitch Matlow said.

PG&E crews responded and worked to shut off gas to the line, eventually capping it at 3:56 p.m., Matlow said.

Gas had gotten into the underground sewer system and crews had to work to ventilate the system. The leak was declared a hazardous materials incident and authorities evacuated all residences and businesses in a two-block radius, according to Matlow.

All buildings in the area had been reopened as of 4 p.m. except for ones directly next to the intersection of Park Avenue and Race Street, where crews were going door-to-door with gas detectors before reopening them, Matlow said.

One person was taken to a hospital during the incident but it was for an issue unrelated to the gas leak, he said.

PG&E said roughly 40 customers will be without gas service until repairs can be completed, which is expected to take several hours. Residents should be able to go back to their homes in roughly an hour, but if they hear or smell gas upon return they’re asked to call PG&E at (800) 743-5000 or dial 911.