Some businesses in Nelson were evacuated after a gas line was ruptured Thursday morning on the Stores to Shore project near the intersection of Vernon and Hall St. Nelson Fire and Rescue, Fortis BC, Nelson Hydro, public works staff, bylaw officers, and police were all on scene.
Fire chief Len MacCharles said he believes the high pressure gas line was ruptured by construction crews who were hand digging at the time. The fire department received the call at 10:11 a.m.
MacCharles said the high pressure line posed significant hazard but the winds were favourable, helping disperse the gas rather than accumulate. MacCharles said crews were able to rip up the pavement and clamp off the gas line further up the road before beginning the line repairs.
BC Safety Authority is investigating as part of a regular procedure.
