Gas leak forces evacuation of Southern California homes; no injuries reported

WHITTIER, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California neighborhood was evacuated early Thursday due to a large leak of natural gas from an underground pipe, authorities said.

The leak was detected around 1:30 a.m. in unincorporated West Whittier, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

An investigation determined the gas was leaking from a 3-inch (7.6-centimeter) line, Southern California Gas Co. said in a statement.

“SoCalGas crews are onsite working to make permanent repairs,” the company said.

About 75 people were sent to an evacuation center set up at a school. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the Red Cross was assisting.

None of the residents required medical attention, county fire Battalion Chief Chris Siok told KTLA-TV.

“We are taking air samples to make sure everyone’s safe throughout the neighborhood,” Siok said.